An Unwelcome Alliance

Ellen Fitzgerald is a pseudonym for Florence Stevenson who also wrote gothics, regencies and even modern tales under four other names. I am only missing a few of her books and each has proved to be a gem. I've never read a Regency novel with quite the twist this one had. Lord Gerald Courlenay has not only become heir to his father upon the death of his elder brother but he also inherits his brother's betrothed. The engagement to Lady Belinda Deveraux who has a large dowry and an impeccable bloodline had been arranged long ago. Now she is 18 and the marriage is to occur. Early in the book, we are privy to the thoughts of each about their first meeting when Gerald was 11 and Belinda was 5 - hardly a good start since Gerald threw a rock at her for disturbing his fishing adventure! This makes for an appealing situation when they meet again as young adults But each loves another and yet, neither can stop the wedding. Descriptions of the wedding day were detailed and captivating. The marriage starts off rocky. Gerald remains loyal to his mistress (unknown to Belinda) and Belinda pines for intimacy and wishes she could have wed another man. But time proves to be all that is needed for each to realize they care and love each other. Gerald begins to realize the caresses from his mistress seem practiced and he longs to be with his innocent and passionate wife instead. Belinda eventually understands the older man she has adored for a lifetime is just an insubstantial infatuation. But there is slight villainy afoot from the jealous mistress, Felice, and her friend Chretien de Beaufort who is commissioned to paint Belinda's portrait. He intimates of the relationship her husband has with Felice and Belinda is heart broken and decides to return to her father's country home. Will Gerald be able to win her love back? The character development in this book is superb. Even secondary characters such as Belinda's friend Cornelia, Lord Fueneaux (Belinda's infatuation), parents of the couple and others are really well drawn. You empathize with many of them. I really liked the way this book switches between what each of the characters are thinking rather than one point of view. I just can't say enough good things about this book.