Winter Song

In the previous book circumstances had thrown together Raymond of Aix, nephew by marriage to the King of England and Alys of Marlowe, the daughter of an English Knight. Raymond, fleeing from his mother's smothering affection, is enchanted by Alys' good sense and competence. Now, despite the difference between their social positions, Raymond is determined to have Alys for his wife.Change the names and this could probably describe hundreds of second rate romances. But there is nothing second rate about Roberta Gellis. And the book is not about the wooing and winning, but what happens after the marriage is made. Alys has to deal with a difficult mother-in-law, a venal bailiff and a tricky politcal situation. She also has to deal with her own fears that she cannot live up to Raymond's social status. Raymond's mother lives a life of idleness that Alys takes to be the usual role of noblewomen. Alys, however, is far to competent and lively to dwindle into a mere noblewoman.As always, it is a pleasure to see Ms. Gellis deal with the medieval mindset. There's no misplaced 20th century sentimentality. If her characters are somewhat softer than the history of the period would suggest was usual, it is always for a good, logical reason in keeping with the thought of the times. This one is not an easy book to find but well worth the search.