Forgetful Lady

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Character Development!
Review: The characters matured as the storyline developed. Lady Elizabeth Fairchild was a hoyden and apparently heartless. She has gone through one season and made a rather bad name for herself as a flirt. But Elizabeth has fallen in love with Lord Meridan (Brett). He shows her nothing but contempt and in a last ditch effort to attract his interest, Elizabeth attempts to best others at his house party during a fox hunt. While chasing the fox, Elizabeth has a startling revelation. She had gone against her own nature for society's acceptance and feels as hunted and desperate as the little animal running for its life. Like the fox, she too would be ravaged by the nobles. An attempt to save the animal results in a nasty spill. Elizabeth must remain at the Brett's estate and during her recovery he seems to care deeply but as soon as her awareness of it occurs, he ignores her again. She has a slight loss of memory and as it returns, Elizabeth finds she wants to become true to herself and begins to express real feelings and truthfulness to those around her. This has mixed results among society and her family.

I will not spoil the story by telling all that happens but there are several romances and twisted plots and you begin to wonder if anyone will end up "happily ever after!" You will wonder why Lord Meridan denies his feelings for Elizabeth for so long and will applaud as Elizabeth takes responsibility for her previous actions. Her dysfunctional family is interesting. The fickle minds of society are fascinating as Elizabeth becomes the toast of the town and then hopes are dashed when her biggest supporter (Beau Brummell) loses his coveted status. And there is a nasty jealous ex-mistress to deal with also!

A gem of a book that I thoroughly recommend.