Will love be redeemed?

Appointment in Bath (Somerset Stories #4) by Mimi Matthews    

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Poor Margaret (Meg) Burton-Smythe named for her father’s obsession and heart’s desire. Margaret Honeywell had spurned Sir Frederick Burton-Smythe for her love, John Beresford, Earl of Allendale. An occasion that gave rise to an intense enmity between the Burton-Smythe’s and the Beresford’s. A hatred that spilled over decades and was implacable

The short story? 

Meg first meets Ivo Beresford when she’s fallen from her horse and sprained her ankle. All Meg can see is an incredibly handsome knight on a shining white horse 

Meetings of friendship lead to feelings of the heart. Ivo persuades Meg to attend a small dance at his home. She’s unchaperoned but that can’t be helped. Having been refused the use of the family carriage Meg walks across the moonlit, snow covered fields to Beasley Park. Once there, she realizes from the shock on everyone’s face that Ivor has not told his family about her. She is dismayed, and at the first opportunity runs home back through those same fields. Meg flees her home for Bath and her accepting governess the very next day.

I was glued to the interactions between Meg and her father, and Meg and the servants. Megs shocked when she realizes her father didn’t name her after Ivo’s mother out of love, but for revenge!

Likewise Ivo’s machinations whilst somewhat understandable to us, are short sighted and uncaring of Meg, impressed with his own cleverness, not his parents or Meg’s pain.

The longer explanation takes us through Meg and Ivo’s daily interactions, Ivo’s carelessness and belief he will cleverly supply the healing to the family frictions (something he does not understand), Meg’s treatment by her father, her dreams and endeavours, her fears of failure, her mastery over her stutter. Ivo might help Meg to find her way forward, but it’s Meg who takes action.

A totally satisfying read in the Somerset series, despite the intricate relationships.

A Victory Editing ARC via NetGalley.