Stevie‘s review of Someone to Honor (Westcott Novels, Book 6) by Mary Balogh
Historical Romance published by Berkley 02 Jul 19
One of the recurring underlying themes of the Westcott series of novels is the family’s worry over what is happening to Harry, who had expected to become the Earl of Riverdale following his father’s death, only to have his hopes dashed when it was discovered the marriage from which he and his sisters resulted had been bigamous. Following the devastating news, Harry joined the army, while his newly discovered half-sister and one of his sisters, not to mention his mother, made happy marriages. Now, over a year and a half after the Battle of Waterloo, Harry is coming home, accompanied by one of his fellow officers; and his unmarried sister fully intends to see that he recovers fully from the injuries that have kept him abroad until now. This is not Harry’s story, although I hope we see that at some point..
This, of course, is the story of Harry’s sister Abigail and his fellow officer Gilbert Bennington, both determined they alone know the correct way to take care of Harry, and both certain that he will feel a lot better once all the other well-wishers, including practically all Harry and Abigail’s close relatives, complete with their respective spouses and offspring, have gone back to their respective homes. Abigail also wants some peace and quiet away from her family while she decides what to do next with her life. Now that her mother has remarried, she feels that her role as companion is rightfully over, while Gilbert is involved in a legal battle with his late wife’s parents over who should have custody of his young daughter.
Gilbert and Abigail don’t get off to a great start. They meet unexpectedly soon after Harry’s arrival at the country house where he is to convalesce, and both feel the other is being rude to them. Likewise, Abigail gets off to a bad start with Gilbert’s dog, who is determined to be her friend in a most enthusiastic manner. Once the other family members have dispersed, however, they gradually become friendlier, and when Harry suggests that Gilbert’s legal case would be stronger if he remarried, offering up Abigail as a potential candidate, neither is totally dismissive of the idea, though neither is keen to rush into anything for very sensible and personal reasons.
Gilbert grew up in relative poverty, with no contact from his aristocratic father until his mother died some years after Gilbert joined the army. Since then Gilbert has accepted two commissions paid by his father but cut off all other contact, believing that he is better off making his own way in life. Which he has managed very successfully. Meanwhile, Abigail feels that her sudden change of fortunes following her father’s death means she is not obliged to marry someone just for the sake of it and is searching for a true marriage of equals or no marriage at all.
How the pair resolve their issues and the way in which the family rallies round to support the pair following their eventual marriage and to help Gilbert win back his daughter was a delight to read, although I was less convinced over the workings of the court case itself. One factor in the resolution of the case does, however, lead us nicely towards the next book in the series, which looks like it will be a particularly fun story from my point of view.
Grade: B
Summary:
Abigail Westcott’s dreams for her future were lost when her father died and she discovered her parents were not legally married. But now, six years later, she enjoys the independence a life without expectation provides a wealthy single woman. Indeed, she’s grown confident enough to scold the careless servant chopping wood outside without his shirt on in the proximity of ladies.
But the man is not a servant. He is Gilbert Bennington, the lieutenant colonel and superior officer who has escorted her wounded brother, Harry, home from the wars with Napoleon. Gil has come to help his friend and junior officer recover, and he doesn’t take lightly to being condescended to–secretly because of his own humble beginnings.
If at first Gil and Abigail seem to embody what the other most despises, each will soon discover how wrong first impressions can be. For behind the appearances of the once-grand lady and the once-humble man are two people who share an understanding of what true honor means, and how only with it can one find love.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
