Pursuing Priscilla

Rating:
Summary: a 2 1/2 star read
Review: Lord Latimer has spent a great many years trying to live down his family's scandalous behaviour by being as circumspect as possible. And up until recently, he has had reason to believe that he had been fairly successful. But when he asks for the hand in marriage of Miss Anne Bolsolver (the Season's latest diamond), her father roundly informs him that because of his ramshackle family he is not suitable marriage material for the fair Anne. Latimer is, of course, angry beyond words; and swiftly decides to marry the first respectable young lady who will have him (and whom he can tolerate) as soon as possible. That would show the Bolsolvers and all those that dared to think that he was beneath their touch! And when Lord Latimer meets his neighbour (Miss Mercy Herbert)'s niece and goddaughter, Miss Priscilla Herbert (a vicar's daughter from the country), he' sure that he has met his future wife. But how to woo and court a young lady at the height of the London Season, without her ever discovering just how disreputable his family connections really are?

Miss Priscilla Herbert is quite gratified that her aunt and godmother has offered to give her a London Season. Perhaps she will actually meet and fall in love with some dashing and respectable gentleman who would return her regard and offer her marriage? And when she meets her aunt's dashing neighbour, Lord Latimer, Priscilla quickly realises that Latimer is the epitome of all her dreams and desires. But then she discovers to her horror that all he is looking for in a wife is respectability -- not love, and she's not sure what to do. Should she give up Lord Latimer as a lost cause? Or give up all her dreams of making a love match? Or perhaps for a strong-minded and determined young lady there lies a third option?

"Pursuing Priscilla" is the fourth book in a slightly interconnected series that includes "Lord Huntingdon's Legacy," "The Ivory Dragon" & "Lord Nick's Folly." And of the four, it is actually the weakest. Very little really happens: Priscilla parades in one gorgeous dress after another and tries to figure out what Lord Latimer is thinking, feeling and why he behaves the way he does. About two-thirds through the novel, she discovers that Latimer has had very little to do with many members of his family; but instead of asking him about why he has decided to cut himself off from so many people, she decides to meet them on her own and to decide for herself if Latimer's stance has any merit. (Mind, she hasn't yet asked him to explain his side of things.) Then, she decides to 'fix' Latimer's relationship with his family and to more or less force him to accept them without even consulting him first. True, Latimer's family turns out not to be as bad as he had decided they were, but I did find myself feeling quite sorry for Latimer because of Priscilla's casual dismissal of his feelings and her supreme belief that she knew best.

The other issue I had with "Pursuing Priscilla" was the rather hurried ending. After almost an entire book in which Latimer and Priscilla somehow managed to avoid any conflicts, in spite of the potential for some really good blowups, they finally fallout about 6 pages from the ending -- but everything is miraculously resolved with a happily ever-after ending on the second last page! The whole thing felt rushed and left me feeling fairly unsatisfied, esp since the real issue between them, namely her tendency to try and force him to behave as she wants him to, is never really addressed!

All in all, I'd say that if you like romance novels that are full of scrumptious fashion detail, than this fairly straightforward book, with it's uncomplicated heroine should satisfy. I, however, was looking for something a little more weighty. A good 2 1/2 star read.

Rating:
Summary: Good light reading
Review: Miss Priscilla Herbert was the grandniece of the Earl of Stanwell. Even though she was gentry, she was also simply a parson's daughter. Her mother, Charlotte, wrote to her sister (quietly, of course) in hope of finding a husband for Priscilla. Sure enough, they are summoned to London by her godmother, Mercy. Priscilla would be thrust into Society.

Priscilla was thrilled to be going to London! She hoped that perhaps she might find her heart's desire, a gentleman of worth who could care for her. It was not long before she met Lord Latimer "Felix", the heir to the Marquess of Silverstone. They met at a small museum where Priscilla was examining a stereopticon (a.k.a. "magic lantern"). Felix was enchanted from the start. He was looking to wed and believed her to be absolutely perfect! problem was his relatives. His relatives were always showing up in the scandal sheets, embarrassing him. In fact, he had asked for the hand of Miss Anne Bolsolver whose father refused the alliance, deeming his family unfit!

Priscilla embarks on the task of reuniting Felix with his estranged family. Also, Anne considers herself above Priscilla and confrontations are inevitable.

This novel is great for light reading. Just romance, with very little danger ever showing. This is a duel, but more danger of scandal than anything else. The character of Anne came across as childish. Priscilla's manners promptly make Anne into an unworthy rival. The enjoyment of this read is mainly the scenes where Priscilla attempts to get the Sutton family closer to each other. Felix is the hard head there.

Well written but everything moves along at a slow pace. If you are looking for excitement, pass on this story. If you are looking for a light romance with a realistic story line, this one is for you!