Rated: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ . ♥ {4.85}
Action: ♠.♠ / Emotion: ♣♣♣♣.♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥♥.♥ / Sensuous: ♦.♦ / Suspense: ♠
Action: 1.1 / Emotion: 4.5 / Romance: 4.3 / Sensuous: 1.4 / Suspense: 0.5 // Historical Flavor: 5.0 // Laughter: 3 / Giggle: 4 // Tears: 10 / Teary: 3
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♥
2003 All About Romance Reader Award -- Best European Historical (Winner)
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Setting: Toulouse, France
Ringwood Manor, Oxfordshire, England
Lindsey Hall, Hampshire, England
London, England
Era: 1814
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This is the third time to read Slightly Married, the first book in The Bedwyn Saga, written by Mary Balogh. Since Mary Balogh can be found on the long list entitled 'Favorite Authors,' be prepared to endure a bit of gushing about how wonderful a writer and storyteller she is. What did this talented author do in this book? First, she created a totally believable and beautiful romance between the hero, Colonel Lord Adian Bedwyn, a war-hardened, high in the instep, son and brother of a duke, and Eve Morris, a kind-hearted but gently bred daughter of a Welsh coal miner. Second, she interwove into the fabric of the tale a sub-story of the deeply emotional and fractured relationship between two brothers. Third, she reveals why she is such a beloved author to many as she draws readers deep into the pages of the book by creating such rich, multi-faceted characters, that readers feel like they are walking right there beside them.
This talented author knows to how to immediately grab the reader's interest by opening this book in a manner that screams, "Oh Wow! I want to know more about this hero." Aidan, a battle-hardened warrior, who displays a hidden compassionate side, is introduced in the prologue walking through the detritus of the Toulouse battlefield. Mary Balogh not only grabbed the reader's attention by inserting them right there onto the battlefield, but because of the way she revealed the minimal details about why the dying Captain Percival "Percy" Morris felt compelled to call in his marker and ask Colonel Bedwyn, his commanding officer, to protect his sister, Eve, she insures that readers are unable to put the book down because they can't wait to find out how this story is going to unfold.
All one would have to do is read the description of the park at Ringwood Manor (on the first page of Chapter One) to show what a gifted author Balogh is when it comes to painting a picture of the landscape -- without going overboard. Along with painting a picture of the landscape, in her talented, concise manner, Balogh began filling in more colors on the story canvas by sketching in the secondary characters that were living at Ringwood Manor -- characters who are going to walk alongside Eve throughout her story.
A novel is not worth reading unless the author includes such interesting, well-developed, and realistic secondary characters that readers find themselves being enchanted (or horrified) by them. One of the things that makes this book so read-able (and re-readable) is Balogh's superior skill set in creating such fascinating secondary characters and imbuing them with unique and sometimes quirky personalities that they add a rich flavor to the story.
For example, look at the accomplished way that Balogh displays her wonderful sense of humor as she introduces Agnes Fuller, Ringwood Manor's large, hatchet-faced housekeeper. By the end of the book, it is impossible not to love this bold, caring secondary character, even though her time spent on the pages of the book was sparse.
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Setting: Toulouse, France
Ringwood Manor, Oxfordshire, England
Lindsey Hall, Hampshire, England
London, England
Era: 1814
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This is the third time to read Slightly Married, the first book in The Bedwyn Saga, written by Mary Balogh. Since Mary Balogh can be found on the long list entitled 'Favorite Authors,' be prepared to endure a bit of gushing about how wonderful a writer and storyteller she is. What did this talented author do in this book? First, she created a totally believable and beautiful romance between the hero, Colonel Lord Adian Bedwyn, a war-hardened, high in the instep, son and brother of a duke, and Eve Morris, a kind-hearted but gently bred daughter of a Welsh coal miner. Second, she interwove into the fabric of the tale a sub-story of the deeply emotional and fractured relationship between two brothers. Third, she reveals why she is such a beloved author to many as she draws readers deep into the pages of the book by creating such rich, multi-faceted characters, that readers feel like they are walking right there beside them.
This talented author knows to how to immediately grab the reader's interest by opening this book in a manner that screams, "Oh Wow! I want to know more about this hero." Aidan, a battle-hardened warrior, who displays a hidden compassionate side, is introduced in the prologue walking through the detritus of the Toulouse battlefield. Mary Balogh not only grabbed the reader's attention by inserting them right there onto the battlefield, but because of the way she revealed the minimal details about why the dying Captain Percival "Percy" Morris felt compelled to call in his marker and ask Colonel Bedwyn, his commanding officer, to protect his sister, Eve, she insures that readers are unable to put the book down because they can't wait to find out how this story is going to unfold.
All one would have to do is read the description of the park at Ringwood Manor (on the first page of Chapter One) to show what a gifted author Balogh is when it comes to painting a picture of the landscape -- without going overboard. Along with painting a picture of the landscape, in her talented, concise manner, Balogh began filling in more colors on the story canvas by sketching in the secondary characters that were living at Ringwood Manor -- characters who are going to walk alongside Eve throughout her story.
A novel is not worth reading unless the author includes such interesting, well-developed, and realistic secondary characters that readers find themselves being enchanted (or horrified) by them. One of the things that makes this book so read-able (and re-readable) is Balogh's superior skill set in creating such fascinating secondary characters and imbuing them with unique and sometimes quirky personalities that they add a rich flavor to the story.
For example, look at the accomplished way that Balogh displays her wonderful sense of humor as she introduces Agnes Fuller, Ringwood Manor's large, hatchet-faced housekeeper. By the end of the book, it is impossible not to love this bold, caring secondary character, even though her time spent on the pages of the book was sparse.
"He said he wasn't going to believe no excuses," Agnes informed her. "He also wouldn't wait in the hall when I told him to. He went striding off into the parlor without a by-your-leave. I'll try chucking him out if you want, my lamb. I probably won't be able to budge him even though I can square up to most men, but I wouldn't mind a good scrap with him anyway for being so high-handed." (Agnes Fuller, page 53)Eve's extremely compassionate nature was revealed in this book because she gathered around her a group of people that Aidan termed as her "lame ducks." And even though many of these minor secondary characters were not given much space on the pages of this book, they were, nonetheless, briefly but admirably displayed with full-blown realism. As one example, look at the way Balogh introduced the large, fresh-faced young man, Charlie Handrich, and later revealed why Eve hired this sweet-natured half-wit to do odd jobs about the house, stable, and park. Balogh saturated each of Eve's lame ducks with just enough personality to make them feel like real live people walking though the reader's life. Not only did Balogh include minimally developed, realistic secondary characters, but fellow dog lovers will find it impossible not to admire Eve even more as her rescue dog, Muffin, romps through the pages of the book.
Agnes came into the room with the tea tray, which she set down none too gently on a table at Eve's elbow. She gave the duke the evil eye and looked as if she were itching for an excuse to toss him down the stairs and out through the front doors without first opening them. (Eve, page 140)
"She glared back at him, and for an interested moment he thought she was going to prove stronger than any man he had ever had under his command -- he thought she was going to argue. Instead she strode forward, gathered up the cups with a great deal of clattering, picked up the tray, and left the room without another word. (Aidan, page 260)
Balogh painted two other important secondary characters onto the canvas of this story, but did not do so in a manner that would overwhelm the reader with bold, vibrant colors that would detract from the focus of the painting, but would reveal even more of Aidan's and Eve's personalities. Balogh did not "tell" us about the orphans but revealed the personalities and the plight of little seven-year-old David "Davy" Aislie and his sister, five-year-old Rebecca "Becky" Aislie, by "showing" readers who they were by letting them interact with Aidan and Eve throughout this tale. This should be a mandatory skill (talent) that every author should utilize whenever writing a novel. (In point of fact, just recently, while trying out a new author, it was impossible to continue reading the book after getting only 5% into it because the author "told" the story instead of "showed" the story.)
Other very important secondary characters were introduced in Slightly Married as well; specifically, the other five Bedwyn siblings and their aunt, the Marchioness of Rochester. If anyone is interested in reading The Bedwyn Saga, it is highly recommended that this series of books be read in order. (The website fictiondb lists two prequels to The Bedwyn Saga, but I don't remember if they should be required reading to get a picture of the Bedwyns before reading this series.) One of the reasons one should read this series in order is because Balogh introduces the most bold, interesting, and memorable member of this family, Wulfric "Wulf" Bedwyn, the Duke of Bewcastle, in this book and continues to reveal more of his personality in each succeeding book of the series. (Wulf is the hero in the sixth book of the series, Slightly Dangerous.)
The other Bedwyn siblings were introduced in this book as well. First, the third son, as well as third Bedwyn child, Lord Rannulf "Ralf" Bedwyn (the hero in the second book of the series, Slightly Wicked), was very briefly introduced in this book. Because of the brevity of descriptions and page time given to Ralf, it was impossible to get a clear picture of this Bedwyn sibling. Nevertheless, at the end of this book, Balogh cleverly instills in her readers a desire to read his story by setting up a scenario revealing Ralf's intention to visit his maternal grandmother, an irrepressible matchmaker.
Second, the fourth Bedwyn child, and first daughter, Lady Freyja "Free" Bedwyn (the heroine in the third book of the series, Slightly Scandalous), was introduced in all her arrogant, disdainful glory. In fact, Balogh is so skilled at building such multi-faceted characters, that readers surely found it as impossible to like Freyja as did Eve upon their first couple of meetings.
Third, the sixth and last Bedwyn child, and second daughter, seventeen year old, Lady Morgan Bedwyn (the heroine in the fourth book of the series, Slightly Tempted), is barely revealed as the family beauty, who entirely escaped the family nose. Although Morgan's personality was minimally developed and her presence on the pages of the books was small, when she rushed to hug her brother when he came home to Lindsey Hall, her interaction with Aidan helped revealed the softness hidden within this grim hero.
The first well-developed secondary character that made it necessary for Aidan to honor his vow to Captain Morris to protect his sister, "No matter what," was Eve's cousin, Mr. Cecil Morris. Naturally Cecil was painted with the villain brush. He was one of those obnoxious commoners who wanted to climb the aristocratic social ladder. Not only was Cecil obsequious, but he was a coward, a bully and sought revenge when he did not get his way. Balogh is one of those authors that can brilliantly paint a very revealing picture with just a few words. Look how she not only keeps readers aware that they are back in 1814 England, but also reveals Cecil's sense of self-puffed up importance.
The next piece of the intricate puzzle required that Eve turn down all marriage proposals because she was waiting for her love to return home. Thus, the next villainous secondary character was revealed; namely, John, Viscount Denson, the son of the Earl and Countess of Luff , who lived at Didcote Park, five miles away from Ringwood Manor. Although the exact nature of the relationship between Eve and John wasn't revealed until page 226, suffice it to say, that Balogh moved the pieces around the board so that Eve was in love with a man who kept their betrothal a secret because his parents wouldn't even invite Eve to their annual garden party because she was a coal miner's daughter. And John was conveniently absent because he was part of the diplomatic service at the embassy in Russia. And Eve was unable to write to John because he failed to give her his address. (A lot of puzzle pieces here, but it makes for a very interesting story!)
And, yes, John does show up later in the story to reveal his despicableness and throw a huge roadblock into the budding relationship between Aidan and Eve. And while Eve could make up a scenario in her mind that would allow John to be an okay kind of guy, I didn't buy it.
Although the presence of General and Mrs. Knapp and their daughter Louisa was of very short duration in this story, Balogh did an amazing job writing the scene in which Aidan happens upon them at the Royal Academy in London and must introduce them to his wife. Readers cannot help but feel the shock and devastation by all three Knapps at this stage.
There was one piece of the puzzle (that Balogh utilized to move Aidan and Eve in the direction that she needed them to take) that was a forced fit. All the time Aidan was in London showing Eve around after they had been married, he kept hoping that he would not run into anyone he knew and would not have to introduce his wife. That way word of his marriage would not get back to his family. The only faux pas Aidan made was when he returned Eve to the Pulteney Hotel in Piccadilly and ran into General Naughton in the lobby, is that he introduced Eve to the general as his wife.
One of the things that makes Balogh's books so remarkable is that she includes such interesting affectations to the characters that creates a rich historical flavor and adds a sense of humor to the book. Of particular notice in this book is the lifting of the eyebrows. Also notice that these wonderful affectations are not restricted just to the major players in the story.
This story displays such a subtle building of the romance that develops between Aidan and Eve that it might be easy to overlook it. But that attraction growing between Aidan and Eve remains ever-present as the story unfolds. This is a beautifully-written, well-developed, understated love story that gives us our mandatory happily-ever-after.
When it came to the sensuality of this story, one could say that Balogh fumbled the ball on this one. The first love scene fit the era and was not filled with graphic detail, but the suddenness of it and the lack of emotional connection between Aidan and Eve removed that sense of romance that was to be building between these two characters. Thankfully, the second love scene was all about romance, but still remained graphically understated.
Balogh masterfully kept readers tied to this story, almost on pins and needles, as she developed Aidan's and Eve's story. This book became an all night read because it seemed imperative to know what happened next rather than curl up with a comfortable pillow.
In closing, Slightly Married, the first book in The Bedwyn Saga, is definitely a winner, worth reading over and over and over again. Balogh delivered a well-written story that contained great dialogue, great characters, and is, without question, a wonderful addition to the "marriage of convenience" troupe. Balogh presented readers with: {1} Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn, a stern-faced, extremely sober, but honorable hero that had to grow on readers as well as the heroine; {2} Eve Morris, an unbelievably compassionate heroine, who was strong enough to stand up to Aidan and his scary brother, the Duke of Bewcastle; {3} two relational stories in one book; namely, {a} Aidan and Eve's rocky path to their happily-ever-after, and {b} the path that took the eldest Bedwyn brothers, Wulf and Aidan, in conflicting directions; {4} a story so well told and so interesting that it was un-put-down-able (causing loss of sleep); {6} characters so realistic that the deep emotional connection between them and the reader resulted in tears and laughter; {7} a feeling of being immersed into the historical culture of 1814 England; {8} the inclusion of amazingly well-developed secondary characters which included: {a} members of Aidan's family; namely, {1} the eldest, Wulfric "Wulf" Bedwyn, the Duke of Bewcastle; {2} the third son, Lord Rannulf "Ralf" Bedwyn; {3} the first daughter, Lady Freyja "Free" Bedwyn; {4} the fourth son, Lord Alleyne Bedwyn; {5} the last child, Lady Morgan Bedwyn; and {6} the Bedwyn's aunt, the Marchioness of Rochester; and {b} members of the cast that were found in Eve's orbit; namely, {1} the housekeeper, Agnes Fuller; {2} the governess, Thelma Rice; {3} the aunt, Aunt Mari Pritchard; {4} the Heybridge vicar, Reverend Thomas Puddle; {5} the orphans, {a} David "Davy" Aislie and {b} Rebecca "Becky" Aislie; {6} the cousin, Mr. Cecil Morris; {7} the secret betrothed, John, Viscount Denson; and {8} the rescue dog, Muffin. This outstanding book (and series) shall remain engraved on my 'To Be Re-Read List.'
--Vonda M. Reid (Monday, October 9, 2017 : 9:19 p.m.) [375]
Other very important secondary characters were introduced in Slightly Married as well; specifically, the other five Bedwyn siblings and their aunt, the Marchioness of Rochester. If anyone is interested in reading The Bedwyn Saga, it is highly recommended that this series of books be read in order. (The website fictiondb lists two prequels to The Bedwyn Saga, but I don't remember if they should be required reading to get a picture of the Bedwyns before reading this series.) One of the reasons one should read this series in order is because Balogh introduces the most bold, interesting, and memorable member of this family, Wulfric "Wulf" Bedwyn, the Duke of Bewcastle, in this book and continues to reveal more of his personality in each succeeding book of the series. (Wulf is the hero in the sixth book of the series, Slightly Dangerous.)
The other Bedwyn siblings were introduced in this book as well. First, the third son, as well as third Bedwyn child, Lord Rannulf "Ralf" Bedwyn (the hero in the second book of the series, Slightly Wicked), was very briefly introduced in this book. Because of the brevity of descriptions and page time given to Ralf, it was impossible to get a clear picture of this Bedwyn sibling. Nevertheless, at the end of this book, Balogh cleverly instills in her readers a desire to read his story by setting up a scenario revealing Ralf's intention to visit his maternal grandmother, an irrepressible matchmaker.
Second, the fourth Bedwyn child, and first daughter, Lady Freyja "Free" Bedwyn (the heroine in the third book of the series, Slightly Scandalous), was introduced in all her arrogant, disdainful glory. In fact, Balogh is so skilled at building such multi-faceted characters, that readers surely found it as impossible to like Freyja as did Eve upon their first couple of meetings.
"Lady Aidan," Lady Freyja said with cold arrogance as the colonel seated himself beside her, "May one ask who exactly Aidan has married? I do not believe we have met before, have we? Are we acquainted with your family? Would we recognize the name if we were to hear it?" (Freyja, page 167)But, that dislike was tempered with feelings of sympathy towards this almost twice-married Bedwyn sister, when Freyja's back story was revealed. (This is where it might be recommended to read A Summer To Remember, one of the prequels to The Bedwyn Saga, which starred one of the two brothers that were affianced to Freyja.) Freyja's cold, haughty personality is somewhat redeemed as she eventually warms up to her courageous new sister-in-law and reveals that she is not above making sarcastic comments about her family and high-society snobs.
"These things are such an abomination," she said. "So is the whole silly ritual of making one's curtsy to a fossil of a queen, whose fashion sense is stuck in the last century." (Freyja, page 209)To be quite honest, it was impossible to develop any liking for Freyja. But, then, also, it is just as impossible not to want to read her story. Not only because one will want to learn how she really feels about losing not only two fiancees, but also losing the "supposed" love of her life to another woman.
"I respect anyone who can stand up against us," Lady Freyja said. (Freyja, page 210)
Third, the sixth and last Bedwyn child, and second daughter, seventeen year old, Lady Morgan Bedwyn (the heroine in the fourth book of the series, Slightly Tempted), is barely revealed as the family beauty, who entirely escaped the family nose. Although Morgan's personality was minimally developed and her presence on the pages of the books was small, when she rushed to hug her brother when he came home to Lindsey Hall, her interaction with Aidan helped revealed the softness hidden within this grim hero.
He had not realized until that moment how desperately he had craved someone to hug. (Aidan, page 125)Fourth, the fifth Bedwyn child, and fourth son, Lord Alleyne Bedwyn (the hero featured in the fifth book of the series, Slightly Sinful), spent more time of the pages of the book than Ralf and Morgan, but, again, his personality and presence was under-developed. Just like Eve, readers will be unable to develop a clear picture of this sibling.
From close up, his smile was ambivalent. It was hard to know if it proceeded from pure good humor or from mischief. Was he being welcoming and brotherly -- or was he mocking her? (Eve, 166-167)Fifth, and finally, the Bedwyn's aunt, the Marchioness of Rochester was introduced into the story to sponsor Eve in making her curtsy to Queen Charlotte and to teach her how to behave in high society. Again, Balogh demonstrates her ability to immerse readers deep into the historical world of high society in 1814 England by the rich, but minimal portrayal of this high stickler.
Eve was not sure she would like Alleyne. She did not know how to interpret his good humor, so different from the coldness of his siblings. (Eve, 168)
Aunt Rochester took her time about coming down. . . . After perhaps about ten minutes, during which they partook of refreshments without exchanging a word, the double doors of the rose salon opened with a flourish, the butler stepped to one side, and the marchioness swept into the room, dressed and coifed for a morning outing. She carried a long-handled lorgnette in her right hand, an affectation she had indulged in as far back as Aidan could remember, though he suspected that, as with Wulf and his quizzing glass, she had perfect eyesight. She wore a jeweled ring on each finger. (Aidan, page 170)Three other vital secondary characters were necessary for ensuring that the story plot (a marriage of convenience becoming a love match) was both necessary and bumpy. Again, in that special Balogh way, these characters were given vital, realistic personalities and their presence moved the story along at a bracing pace. Well except towards the end of the story where it began to get slightly tedious when neither Aidan nor Eve were willing to admit their love to the other. Yes, the scenes were entertaining and vital to building a more solid relationship between them, but come on, enough already with the redundant angst: "I love him, I don't want him to leave" and "I love her, I don't want to leave."
The first well-developed secondary character that made it necessary for Aidan to honor his vow to Captain Morris to protect his sister, "No matter what," was Eve's cousin, Mr. Cecil Morris. Naturally Cecil was painted with the villain brush. He was one of those obnoxious commoners who wanted to climb the aristocratic social ladder. Not only was Cecil obsequious, but he was a coward, a bully and sought revenge when he did not get his way. Balogh is one of those authors that can brilliantly paint a very revealing picture with just a few words. Look how she not only keeps readers aware that they are back in 1814 England, but also reveals Cecil's sense of self-puffed up importance.
"This man was to inherit Ringwood? He was small and plump with a puffed-out chest and an important, bustling air. And obsequious to a fault. . . . He did not, Aidan noticed, speak with even a trace of a Welsh accent. Quite the contrary. His accent would make even Bewcastle sound provincial." (Aidan, page 38)Mind you, Cecil would not have gotten to play the role of villain had it not been for Eve's father, who died almost one year ago. Although Eve possessed a forgiving nature towards her beloved Papa, his actions were reprehensible in his efforts to control his children. Balogh had to develop an intricate background for Mr. Morris so that she could move all the players around the chess board to checkmate Aidan and Eve into marriage. First, she had to create an enmity between father and son. Check! Next, she had to create a father who would do anything to climb the social ladder, including trying to marry his daughter upwards. Check! Next, she had to ensure that the father tried to control his children beyond death by writing an asinine will. Check!
The next piece of the intricate puzzle required that Eve turn down all marriage proposals because she was waiting for her love to return home. Thus, the next villainous secondary character was revealed; namely, John, Viscount Denson, the son of the Earl and Countess of Luff , who lived at Didcote Park, five miles away from Ringwood Manor. Although the exact nature of the relationship between Eve and John wasn't revealed until page 226, suffice it to say, that Balogh moved the pieces around the board so that Eve was in love with a man who kept their betrothal a secret because his parents wouldn't even invite Eve to their annual garden party because she was a coal miner's daughter. And John was conveniently absent because he was part of the diplomatic service at the embassy in Russia. And Eve was unable to write to John because he failed to give her his address. (A lot of puzzle pieces here, but it makes for a very interesting story!)
And, yes, John does show up later in the story to reveal his despicableness and throw a huge roadblock into the budding relationship between Aidan and Eve. And while Eve could make up a scenario in her mind that would allow John to be an okay kind of guy, I didn't buy it.
How incredibly trusting and naive she had been. But the thing was, she realized, that John had not meant to deceive her. Not really. He had been playing a game of dreams and had assumed she knew the rules and played along with him. He was no villain. He was just not the man she had thought him, the man she had thought she loved. (Eve, page 320)And finally that third very minor, but important secondary character was added to the cast to cause the potholes in Aidan's and Eve's road to happiness to deepen. Enter, the daughter of General Knapp, Miss Louisa Knapp. Sometime during the twelve years of Aidan's military career, he developed a fondness for Miss Knapp believing he could find some peace and comfort by marrying a woman who was skilled at following the drum. And while Aidan had not specifically said anything to Miss Knapp about his intentions, there was an understanding between them that he would do so.
Although the presence of General and Mrs. Knapp and their daughter Louisa was of very short duration in this story, Balogh did an amazing job writing the scene in which Aidan happens upon them at the Royal Academy in London and must introduce them to his wife. Readers cannot help but feel the shock and devastation by all three Knapps at this stage.
There was one piece of the puzzle (that Balogh utilized to move Aidan and Eve in the direction that she needed them to take) that was a forced fit. All the time Aidan was in London showing Eve around after they had been married, he kept hoping that he would not run into anyone he knew and would not have to introduce his wife. That way word of his marriage would not get back to his family. The only faux pas Aidan made was when he returned Eve to the Pulteney Hotel in Piccadilly and ran into General Naughton in the lobby, is that he introduced Eve to the general as his wife.
One of the things that makes Balogh's books so remarkable is that she includes such interesting affectations to the characters that creates a rich historical flavor and adds a sense of humor to the book. Of particular notice in this book is the lifting of the eyebrows. Also notice that these wonderful affectations are not restricted just to the major players in the story.
"The ducal eyebrows rose, adding an expression of arrogance to his lean, prominent-nosed, thin-lipped face." (Wulf, page 123)Another thing that makes Balogh's book feel so historically accurate and rich in character development is that she includes the servants of the high and mighty and gives them that same attitude of entitlement exhibited by their employers. Their appearance may be extremely brief, but they add much richness to the flavor of the story.
"Lady Freyja's eyebrows soared higher as her eyes swept over Eve from head to toe . . . (Eve, page 166)
The footman's eyebrows rose perhaps half an inch, the only sign he gave of holding an opinion on the matter. (footman to Bewcastle, page 164)
The butler's eyebrows rose perhaps three quarters of an inch. (butler to Bewcastle, page 165)
The Marchioness of Rochester was at home the next morning, but she still had not emerged from her dressing room, her butler informed Bewcastle in a manner that showed all the proper deference for his rank while at the same time conveying unmistakable reproach. This particular hour of the morning was not, of course, the polite time for even so lofty a person as the Duke of Bewcastle to be paying a social call.And what a wicked sense of humor Balogh displays, even though one may need a glass of water to be able to swallow the extremely dry wit exhibited by the haughty Bedwyns. Here is a priceless example of humor -- Regency Style. Freyja had just been introduced to Aidan's bride and wants to put Eve in her rightful place.
"If you would care to wait in the rose salon, your grace? My lord?" the butler asked, his tone implying that they might not care to do any such thing but to take themselves off until a more respectable hour. His eyes skimmed over Eve and apparently dismissed her. (page 169-170)
"Aunt Rochester is up to most challenges," Lady Freyja said. "Even the most difficult."If one reads this book with a strict "romance only" mindset, focusing only on the relationship that develops between our granite-faced hero and our spunky heroine, they will miss the sub-story, a deeply moving undercurrent that flows through this outstandingly well-written novel, of the heart-wrenching tale about two brothers; namely, Wulf and Aidan. Mary Balogh starts out this family series by pulling tears from her readers' eyes (or those of us who cry at the drop of a hat) as she reveals a deeply emotional connection between two brothers that was brought to light by the astuteness of the heroine as she was able to see beneath the mask each brother wore to hide his vulnerabilities.
"We must all agree with you on that, Free," Alleyne said, raising his glass in apparent toast to his sister. "She orchestrated your come-out, did she not? And the world kept turning."
She glared disdainfully at him.
"A hit, Freyja, you must admit," the duke said languidly. (page 169)
Two brothers, very close as children, had been driven asunder by circumstances, leaving one with power over the other. Each of them had wanted the other's life, but circumstances had made it impossible for them to make the exchange. And so life -- the realities of life -- had driven an irrevocable wedge between them, destroying or at least submerging the love they had once felt for each other and making one of them cold and dutiful, the other harsh and dutiful. (Eve, page 307)Aidan is an unusual hero. He was given no charm, no softness, no warmth. Who could perceive of falling in love with a man described thusly: {1} his face was like granite, without warmth, without expression, without sentiment; {2} All the softer emotions that might at one time have been a part of his nature had long ago dried up from disuse; {3} He looked dour and humorless; {4} He looked like a man who never smiled. But, as readers and Eve would eventually find out, Aidan was not only deeply honorable, but underneath all that rock, he was kind.
"Kind!" he said . . . "I do not deal in kindness, ma'am. I have never been accused of being a kind man." (Aidan, page 230)It would take a strong-willed, kind-hearted, stubborn woman like Eve to break through all of Aidan's grimness to win his heart. Eve was the perfect heroine for Aidan. They were opposites. He had hidden away all of his compassion and softness and she boldly proclaimed her caring nature by taking in lame ducks. It was impossible not to admire Eve as she went toe-to-toe with all the Bedwyns, including the extremely intimidating Duke of Bewcastle.
Eve had won their regard in the only possible way -- by not seeking it. (Aidan, page 248)Isn't it amazing how one's current state of mind affects the reader's enjoyment and interpretation of a novel . . . each and every time it is read . . . and re-read? Apparently from the notes made during each previous reading of this novel, this third reading created a deeper emotional impact upon me than did the two previous readings. During the first two readings, this story only brought forth tears while reading about Eve's devastation when she learned (and dealt) with her brother's death. And apparently, not once did the story engender laughter. This third time, however, this story brought forth tears, many teary moments, and numerous instances of giggles and laughter. A book that creates such a strong emotional connection to the characters makes it a top-notch book. (Also, I somehow overlooked the emotional impact of the relationship between Aidan and Wulf during the first two readings.)
This story displays such a subtle building of the romance that develops between Aidan and Eve that it might be easy to overlook it. But that attraction growing between Aidan and Eve remains ever-present as the story unfolds. This is a beautifully-written, well-developed, understated love story that gives us our mandatory happily-ever-after.
When it came to the sensuality of this story, one could say that Balogh fumbled the ball on this one. The first love scene fit the era and was not filled with graphic detail, but the suddenness of it and the lack of emotional connection between Aidan and Eve removed that sense of romance that was to be building between these two characters. Thankfully, the second love scene was all about romance, but still remained graphically understated.
Balogh masterfully kept readers tied to this story, almost on pins and needles, as she developed Aidan's and Eve's story. This book became an all night read because it seemed imperative to know what happened next rather than curl up with a comfortable pillow.
In closing, Slightly Married, the first book in The Bedwyn Saga, is definitely a winner, worth reading over and over and over again. Balogh delivered a well-written story that contained great dialogue, great characters, and is, without question, a wonderful addition to the "marriage of convenience" troupe. Balogh presented readers with: {1} Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn, a stern-faced, extremely sober, but honorable hero that had to grow on readers as well as the heroine; {2} Eve Morris, an unbelievably compassionate heroine, who was strong enough to stand up to Aidan and his scary brother, the Duke of Bewcastle; {3} two relational stories in one book; namely, {a} Aidan and Eve's rocky path to their happily-ever-after, and {b} the path that took the eldest Bedwyn brothers, Wulf and Aidan, in conflicting directions; {4} a story so well told and so interesting that it was un-put-down-able (causing loss of sleep); {6} characters so realistic that the deep emotional connection between them and the reader resulted in tears and laughter; {7} a feeling of being immersed into the historical culture of 1814 England; {8} the inclusion of amazingly well-developed secondary characters which included: {a} members of Aidan's family; namely, {1} the eldest, Wulfric "Wulf" Bedwyn, the Duke of Bewcastle; {2} the third son, Lord Rannulf "Ralf" Bedwyn; {3} the first daughter, Lady Freyja "Free" Bedwyn; {4} the fourth son, Lord Alleyne Bedwyn; {5} the last child, Lady Morgan Bedwyn; and {6} the Bedwyn's aunt, the Marchioness of Rochester; and {b} members of the cast that were found in Eve's orbit; namely, {1} the housekeeper, Agnes Fuller; {2} the governess, Thelma Rice; {3} the aunt, Aunt Mari Pritchard; {4} the Heybridge vicar, Reverend Thomas Puddle; {5} the orphans, {a} David "Davy" Aislie and {b} Rebecca "Becky" Aislie; {6} the cousin, Mr. Cecil Morris; {7} the secret betrothed, John, Viscount Denson; and {8} the rescue dog, Muffin. This outstanding book (and series) shall remain engraved on my 'To Be Re-Read List.'
--Vonda M. Reid (Monday, October 9, 2017 : 9:19 p.m.) [375]
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Prequel Books In The Series: "The Bedwyn Saga"
| # | Date | Title | Hero | Heroine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | 08-1999 | One Night For Love | Neville Wyatt, Earl of Kilbourne | Lily |
| 02. | 07-2002 | A Summer To Remember | Kit Butler | Lauren |
Books In The Series: "The Bedwyn Saga"
[1] Novella found in Once Upon a Dream by Mary Balogh and Grace Burrowes.
| # | Date | Title | Hero | Heroine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | 04-2003 | Slightly Married | Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn | Eve Morris |
| 02. | 05-2003 | Slightly Wicked | Lord Rannulf "Ralf" Bedwyn | Judith Law |
| 03. | 07-2003 | Slightly Scandalous | Joshua Moore, Marquess of Hallmere | Lady Freyja "Free" Bedwyn |
| 04. | 01-2004 | Slightly Tempted | Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn | Lady Morgan Bedwyn |
| 05. | 05-2004 | Slightly Sinful | Lord Alleyne Bedwyn | Rachel York |
| 06. | 06-2004 | Slightly Dangerous | Wulfric "Wulf" Bedwyn, Duke of Bewcastle | Christine Derrick |
| 6.5 | 04-2016 | Another Dream [1] | ... | Miss Eleanor Thompson |
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Characters Found In "Slightly Married"
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn | [Hero] tall and solidly built, dark-complexioned, hook-nosed, and granite-faced; feared by many; always took time after battle to roam the battlefield, gazing at the dead of his own battalion, offering comfort to the wounded wherever he could; dark, inscrutable eyes (2) "He looked seven feet tall, dressed in full regiments, his scarlet coat and its gold facing immaculate, his white pantaloons spotless, his knee-high black cavalry boots polished to a high gloss, his sheathed sword gleaming at his side. He looked broad and solid and powerful and menacing. He had a harsh, weathered face, its darkness accentuated by black hair and eyebrows. It was a grim face, with hard, nearly black eyes, a great hooked nose, and thin, cruel-looking lips." (12) "He loomed over her, huge and dark and menacing." (14) His face was like granite "without warmth, without expression, without sentiment" (15) had never been adept at words (20) no good at offering comfort; had been officer for more than twelve years, since his eighteenth birthday; "All the softer emotions that might at one time have been a part of his nature had long ago dried up from disuse." had three brothers, two sisters (24) looked extremely powerful on horseback; "He looked dour and humorless. He looked like a man who never smiled." not unkind (33) "He had a piercing, very direct gaze." (34) a formidable gentleman; very clearly a man of his word (35) "his voice languid with aristocratic hauteur" (41) son of a duke; had never broken his word of honor once it had been given (57) "His was altogether an overpowering presence." (59) spoke with all the assurance of a superior officer giving orders to his subordinates or his men (62) 30-y-o (63) not a sentimental man (67) looked large and powerful and very masculine (73) undeniable masculinity (74) wrote in a bold, no-nonsense style (77) punctual (79) an expert at the ribbons of the curricle (81) smelled of leather and musk (81) "The man did have a sense of humor." (81) tall, powerful man; a harsh, angular face, a prominent nose, rather thin lips, dark hair and eyes (83) a solid and dependable man (84) second son (85) "He was not a talkative man or an obviously amiable one. But he had a gentleman's manners and did his part in making sure the conversation flowed between them." (86) there was nothing soft in his manner (95) "He had not smiled or looked anything short of ferocious. But she felt she was having a rare glimpse into a man whose depths of character she had not even begun to uncover." (96) 6'1" (100) spoke with such quiet, refined menace (104) he never smiled (107) possessed a dry and elusive sense of humor (111) had never been much of a one for assemblies or social gatherings (112) had not been on the best of terms with Wulf for years; had almost come to blows with Wulf during his leave 3-y-a (123) He had called Wulf to task for his tyranny regarding Kit and Freyja (124) After months and years of heavy campaigning, he was suddenly and utterly bone-weary (125) pleasant hope he had had of combining his career with marriage to a woman who could share his way of life, who could provide him with companionship and comfort and . . . yes, with sex. Though he had occasionally kept mistresses, he had never particularly enjoyed casual and unequal relationships. He had not been close to Wulf since their early childhood, when they had been inseparable companions. Schooled at Eton. (126) taller, broader, heavier than Wulf (131) would be made a general within the next couple of years and will without any doubt reap honors and glory for himself; if he comports himself wisely and continues to distinguish himself as he has always done, be rewarded with titles and property of his own (143) shoulders were impossibly broad and hard-muscled (154) His hooked-nosed face was as dark, as harsh as ever. (155) always does what he perceives to be right, even if it comes at the expense of personal sacrifice; duty is all to him (159) has always been the highest of sticklers; has a vast fortune of his own (168) He was stern and granite-faced. (169) unaccustomed to idleness (179) He was feeling vicious -- and alarmingly close to tears. (182) "When they were boys, they had used to holler and shriek and laugh, the two of them, and look on the world about them as their wonderful and magical and everlasting playground. That was the time when they had been the best of friends and almost inseparable." (182) He looked as large and grim and formidable as ever. He also looked overwhelmingly attractive, though Eve did not know why. He was certainly not a conventionally handsome man. And he was too broad and too large for a godlike physique. A man whose grimness hid suffering. (188) Though there was no excess fat on his body, he was large. He bore the scars of numerous old wounds, and there were his large nose and his dark hair and eyes and complexion. (190) always an early riser (193) Wulf purchased his commission when he was 18-y-o; did not know much about love (205) It was hard to tell if he was angry or not. One rarely could tell with him. (207) Became even more poker-faced than usual to hide his emotions. (210) possessed a poker-faced flash of dry humor (218) a superb dancer (222) Had he not learned years and years ago that tender feelings were best kept tightly leashed somewhere so deep in his heart that he could convince himself there were no such things? He had not come by his reputation for granite control without effort. (231) Was always the most earnest Bedwyn sibling. He adored his father and was the most affected by his death. (237) He used to follow him around when he visited all the farms and consulted his steward. Sometimes when he was missing and no one knew here he was, he would be found out in the fields working alongside the laborers. He was a happy, sunny-natured boy, always smiling and laughing. After his father died, terrible quarrels with Wulf started. He was always willing to oblige, even when he was in the middle of doing something else. He would always go fishing or shooting with Alleyne or Ralf. He would always spend some time in the nursery with Morgan. (238) hides behind an almost impenetrable mask, but was a kind man (284) gentle with children (287) As a boy, followed Wulf happily into every conceivable scrape (304) As the second son, born for the military -- fought against his fate all through childhood and boyhood. He abhorred violence. He loved the land. He loved Lindsey Hall. Used to plot together with Wulf, when very young lads, to dress up in each other's clothes, to exchange identities, to exchange lives. (305) 15-y-o when father died; 2 years younger than Wulf; returned home from school and carried on where he had left off before father died. He busied himself with farm business. He considered Wulf's steward unimaginative, even incompetent. He explained to Wulf everything that was wrong with the running of the farms, and offered to take the steward's place. One week later, Wulf informed him that he had purchased a commission for him, as father had intended. (306) |
| Eve Morris: Lady Aidan Bedwyn | [Heroine] wearing mourning since father died one year ago (7) "a vibrant, flushed, bright-eyed, rather pretty young woman" (20) composed; tall, willowy, long-limbed, brown hair; gray eyes; "she spoke with a slight lilt, which made her words sound musical" (21) villagers called her a saint; nursed an infirm father 4-5 years before his death; started and financed a village school; brought in a village midwife and paid her salary; taken in two orphans to live with her when no one else wanted them; employed an assortment of undesirable types whom no one else would have touched with a ten-foot pole; took the Christian ideal of charity to the extreme (28) She was not one to lose her temper easily. She rarely spoke in anger. (56) not without skills and not afraid of hard work (58) a bleeding heart; filled her home and neighborhood with lame ducks and now feels responsible for them (59) not even close to being a lady by birth (60) although raised and educated as a lady; wanted to give back some of what she had done nothing to earn or deserve (61) extremely unselfish person (72) wrote in a neat, sloping hand (77) "prided herself upon her ability to stand alone, to depend upon no one but herself. Almost everyone who was closest to her now depended upon her." (84) a warmhearted, loyal, fun-loving woman (103) eyes sparkling with mischief (104) always close to Percy; 19-y-o when wanted to marry Joshua (109) danced with grace and energy and obvious enjoyment; tall; slender; pretty whenever she was animated (112) 25-y-o; a woman who had much love and tenderness to give away (115) not a weak-willed woman (159) not a lady by birth, and only partially by education; brought up and lived most of her life in the country among people who are gently born but by no means members of the ton; knows nothing of town fashions and manners; knows nothing about moving in high society or what is expected of the wife of a duke's heir (160) a stubborn, potentially dangerous lift of her chin (162) proud of her heritage (172) a Welsh coal miner's daughter; a passably good figure with tolerable features; ruffled pride landed her in the clutches of Aunt Rochester (173) a woman with claws; exaggerated her Welsh accent to irritate Aidan's relatives; stubborn set to her jaw (174) did not favor extravagance; lived frugally all her life (177) "You may speak to your men like that if you wish. You will not speak to me thus. I will not be bullied -- not by you, not by the Duke of Bewcastle, not by the Marchioness of Rochester, not by anyone. I came to London of my own free will. I remained of my own free will -- and against yours. I accepted Lady Rochester as a mentor of my own free will. I came and I remain, not as an inferior who must be whipped into shape in order not to shame the illustrious name of Bedwyn, but as an equal to return a favor you performed for me a few weeks ago." (184) always passionately wanted children; started secret relationship with John when she was 20-y-o; at 21-y-o, insisted John approach his parents about marriage (187) Her hair was a shade of mid-brown that did not attract as immediately as blond or red or black might have done. But it was thick and shining, and now that it was loose he could see shades of honey and gold glinting in it. And it waved in ripples over her shoulders and partway down her back. (188) She looked amazingly enticing in her prim white nightgown, her long, slim legs outlined against the fabric. She smelled of roses and soap. (189) he found her very beautiful. She was slim and lithe and porcelain skinned. She was shapely in the right places. Her breasts were not large, but they were firm and uptilted. (190) Had common sense enough to accept the fact that she needed instruction on matters that were outside her experience. (197) Defiant and rather proud of herself. (199) Her chin was high, her bearing regal. Her eyes beamed pure defiance. (201) very courageous (210) Had not been cowed by the grandeur of the Bedwyn family. (212) She looked quite breathtakingly lovely (213) She was nervous, therefore, on the defensive (214) She was tall and slender -- her head reached to Aidan's chin. She was light on her feet and graceful. (221) Was not the sort of woman who would have given her virginity if she had not loved passionately and committed herself fully to a future marriage. (232) Eve had won their regard in the only possible way -- by not seeking it. Although she had paid attention to Aunt Rochester's instructions on matters she needed to know, she had made no attempt to ingratiate herself with anyone. (248) always coveted her independence (263) had always been conscientious about her duties as a landowner (286) knew so little about good business practices (303) |
| . . . | . . . |
| William Andrews | [Secondary Character] [Rare Appearances] Aidan's batman; had been with Aidan for eight years; "through all the hardships and miseries of numerous campaigns . . . he had never been ill a day; now, back in England, he had caught a head cold." "appeared with a red beacon of a nose, drooping eyelids, watery eyes, a nasal voice that growled somewhere low in the bass register, dragging footsteps, and a martyr's air" (26) impertinent (232) |
| David "Davy" Aislie | [Important Secondary Character] 7-y-o; picking flowers earnestly, a frown on his thin face; did not relax; strained, serious look that made him appear too old for his years; lived with Eve for the past 7 months (7) "Davy straightened up but stood uncertainly where he was, as if he half suspected that the offer would be snatched away if he moved." thin shoulders (8) "He still spoke her name awkwardly as if he thought it an impertinence to use so familiar a form of address." not related to Eve, except by a very tenuous link through marriage (9) orphan; parents died within days of each other of some virulent fever; had been sent on an endless journey around England, passing from one to another of his surviving relatives, none of whom wanted him or were even willing to tolerate him (49) not a blood relation to Eve (49) had learned during the months following his parents' death that the adult world was hostile and not to be trusted, and he was unlearning that cruel lesson with slow caution. (51) his father was a shopkeeper, and not a particularly prosperous one (285) |
| Rebecca "Becky" Aislie | [Important Secondary Character] 5-y-o; picking flowers with obvious enjoyment, less concentration, humming tunelessly; looked like a child who felt secure in her surroundings; lived with Eve for the past 7 months (7) orphan; parents died within days of each other of some virulent fever; had been sent on an endless journey around England, passing from one to another of her surviving relatives, none of whom wanted her or were even willing to tolerate her (49) not a blood relation to Eve (49) placid and good-natured; seemed to have been less deeply affected by her experiences than Davy, but she occasionally awoke in the night, crying helplessly or screaming (51) |
| Ned Bateman | [Brief Appearances] Ringwood Manor steward; one-armed; he and Eve were planning to set up a farm where destitute, permanently maimed soldiers could live and work and become self-sufficient in a sort of commune (48) the only servant at Ringwood (besides Thelma) who could read and write (198) Eve will buy land for him and an indeterminate number of maimed and wounded discharged soldiers to that they can set up their own farm and perhaps workshops too, and they are to pay her back in installments. (302) |
| The Bedwyns | "Our parents always preferred to keep us at Lindsey Hall. We liked it better there too. We were a wild lot. Still are." (84) they were not a family much given to the frivolity of ton entertainments (120) His family had always been neck-or-nothing riders, including the girls. (145) "There are plenty of people who believe that callousness and even cruelty came naturally to the Bedwyns. Though anyone who knows anything of our history would know too that it has always been a matter of honor with Bedwyn men to treat their wives with respect and courtesy. It is why most of us marry late or not at all." (185) Bedwyn tradition: that its males, once they did marry, were scrupulously faithful to their wives (186) "If you wait to be asked when you are a Bedwyn, Eve, you will be left to fade into obscurity like a wilting violet." (234) They do not love easily, but once they do they are in deep indeed. (240) the Bedwyns almost invariably loved their mates. It was a tradition he and his brothers had snickered and grimaced over when they were boys. And Bedwyns loved and nurtured their children, even if they were over scrupulous about instilling notions of duty and responsibility in them. (284) "Our parents worshipped each other and loved us all unconditionally. We played and fought together with energy and abandon. We were hellions." (304) |
| Lord Alleyne Bedwyn | [Book 5 : Slightly Sinful] [Secondary Character] fifth child; fourth son (85) the younger, slimmer, darker brother (122) schooled at Eton (126) more handsome than either the duke or the colonel; looked everything Eve had ever imagined of the aristocracy -- haughty (165) laughter made him even more handsome than Eve first thought; looked her over frankly with humor dancing in his eyes; His smile was ambivalent. It was hard to know if it proceeded from pure good humor or from mischief. (166) Was he being welcoming and brotherly -- or was he mocking her? (167) Eve did not know how to interpret his good humor, so different from the coldness of his siblings. (168) Seemed the only normal human being in the family. Taught Eve to waltz. Made himself available as a partner, went through the steps with Eve with admirable patience and good humor. He was a genuinely amiable, if perhaps rather shallow, young may. Certainly he smiled enough to make up for his two elder brothers. (197) dressed immaculately in black tailed coat (215) looked the consummate aristocrat (216) something of a connoisseur of art (248) |
| Lady Freyja "Free" Bedwyn | [Book 3 : Slightly Scandalous] [Secondary Character] Aidan's sister; had come close to being married -- twice, with two brothers. One had let her down by dying, the other by marrying someone else. (24) fourth child; first daughter (85) did not always ride sidesaddle; She wore her fair hair loose beneath a jaunty feathered riding hat. It reached almost to her waist in an unruly mass of curls. She looked sun-bronzed and bright-eyed and healthy -- and as unladylike as she had ever been during the years when a succession of governesses had despaired of her. (121) Three years ago Wulf had refused to allow [her] to marry the man of her choice, their neighbor and childhood friend, Kit Butler, because he was merely the second son of the Earl of Redfield. Bewcastle had forced her to accept the offer of the eldest son; her betrothed had died before the wedding; Kit had become Redfield's heir after all. Last year, when he had sold out and come back to England, Redfield and Bewcastle had agreed upon a match between Kit and Freyja, and all had been set in motion for the betrothal celebrations when Kit came home for the summer. When he did arrive, though, he brought a fiancee with him. She smashed her fist into Ralf's face when he suggested she was heart broken over Kit. (124) had masses of wavy fair hair, eyebrows that were very dark in contrast, a dark-toned complexion, and the family nose; looked everything Eve had ever imagined of the aristocracy -- haughty (165) stared with raised eyebrows (166) cold arrogance; disdainful eyes (167) avoided Eve's company; treated Eve with cool disdain (196) "I respect anyone who can stand up against us"; She was a small, shapely woman, but she moved and talked and sometimes behaved like a man. (210) looking startlingly handsome in a gown and plumes of varying shades of forest green, sea green, and turquoise; looked the consummate aristocrat (216) Clad in a forest green riding habit, a jaunty, feathered hat on hair that billowed loose and golden almost to her waist, she looked startlingly handsome even though no one could ever describe her as pretty. (235) Had legions of admirers, some very eligible bachelors among them. She treated them all with a careless camaraderie that put an effective stop to any hope any of them might have had of courting her. She was like an impregnable fortress when it came to talking about herself. (247) uttered a peculiar derisive snort when disagreed with Bewcastle (253) Wrote witty letter, filled with perceptive and rather caustic observations on the people and events involved in the victory celebrations. (313) |
| Lady Morgan Bedwyn | [Book 4 : Slightly Tempted] [Rare Appearances] sixth child; second daughter (85) 17-y-o; a little spitfire; "She is going to be the worst -- or the best -- of the lot of us." (122) tall, slender young girl; dark hair; dark eyes; a beauty; the only Bedwyn to have entirely escaped the family nose (125) |
| Lord Rannulf "Ralf" Bedwyn | [Book 2 : Slightly Wicked] [Rare Appearances] wrote Aidan a long, witty letter about Feyja's fiancé marrying someone else (24) third son; third child (85) fair-haired giant (122) schooled at Eton (126) evaded the fate of the third son, being a clergyman (183) Almost as tall as Aidan, and just as large. He had the family nose. He was fair, like Freyja. His hair was wavy and he wore it unfashionable long (like Norse warriors). (340) heir to his maternal grandmother's estate; his grins revealed strong white teeth and blue eyes that danced with merriment and roguery (341) |
| Wulfric "Wulf" Bedwyn, Duke of Bewcastle | [Book 6 : Slightly Dangerous] [Major Secondary Character] Aidan's elder brother (19) It was characteristic of him that he never hurried and never raised his voice. (122) Yet every servant was instantly obedient to his slightest command, and he had done an admirable job of curbing the wildest excesses of his siblings, most of whom were slightly afraid of him, though they would all have broken on the rack rather than admit it. There was something distinctly wolflike about him, including his silver eyes. Stopped well beyond hugging range or even hand-shaking range and spoke in his usual light, deceptively pleasant tones. "raising his quizzing glass to his eye" "The ducal eyebrows rose, adding an expression of arrogance to his lean, prominent-nosed, thin-lipped face." (123) One could never have a satisfactory row with Wulf. He became frostier and quieter the more one fumed and had merely used his quizzing glass and his eyebrows rather than indulge in fisticuffs (124) He had changed totally at the age of twelve when their father had decreed that it was time he was prepared for the responsibilities of his future -- a future that had arrived early with their father's death when he was just seventeen. He had been educated during the intervening years by a pair of tutors. Aidan often wondered if Wulf was a lonely person or if he had simply grown into a cold, emotionless man who enjoyed solitude. (126) using his quizzing glass was a pure affectation; had keen eyesight; silver, wolfish eyes (128) immaculately and tastefully clad in a dark green superfine tailed coat and buff pantaloons and waistcoat with white linen and highly polished Hessian boots, a dark, forbidding-looking gentleman who bore an amazing resemblance to Aidan; spoke in a light, soft voice, not effeminate exactly -- in fact, it was definitely not that -- but one that lacked the depth and force one expected of a gentleman's utterance. (137) more slender and not quite as tall as Aidan; his lean face with its prominent nose and thin lips looked cold and arrogant and cynical rather than harsh and grim; his eyes were paler, a lighter gray than Eve's, almost silver; raising his quizzing glass halfway to his eye and looking incredibly haughty (138) deceptively quiet, courteous voice (139) had raised his quizzing glass all the way to his eye on hearing her Welsh accent; can be very persuasive (159) Eve did not like him, but respects his honesty. He says what he believes. He does not say one thing and imply another. (160) incredibly high in the instep (162) looked everything Eve had ever imagined of the aristocracy -- haughty (165) There was no warmth in either his voice or his eyes. (169) "You take much for granted" (172) an extremely formidable figure (175) "When they were boys, they had used to holler and shriek and laugh, the two of them, and look on the world about them as their wonderful and magical and everlasting playground. That was the time when they had been the best of friends and almost inseparable." (182) Made decisions without consulting anyone; was confident and arrogant enough to expect everyone to attend the Bedwyn Ball on short notice (196) his voice at its quietest and most pleasant and therefore at its most dangerous (203) had no close friends; always did his duty (205) has no plans to marry (205) Eve had found a chink in his armor and caused that rare slip into vulnerable humanity. (206) His eyes were inscrutable. (207) He never allows anyone close enough to know if he was ever amused, if he was unhappy, or if he was naturally cold (215) dressed immaculately in black tailed coat (215) looked the consummate aristocrat (216) "Wulf has raised his eyebrows. He expects you to come running." (217) Will never argue with anyone when someone else is in the same room. He takes the quarreler apart into his library, and then one can hear a shouting voice alternating with silences. The silences are Wulf replying. He never raises his voice. He never has to. He is that powerful. He was not always like that. (238) His hands were more slender, long-fingered, than Aidan's, a ring on each hand. His silver eyes with their very direct gaze were disconcerting at the best of times. As head of the Bedwyn family, has always considered it his duty to concern himself with its members. (279) He seemed too cold a man to have acted out of kindness. (280) This was what Wulf had come to -- that bright, energetic, mischievous boy of memory, now a cold, lonely aristocrat with so much power that he could exert it with the mere lifting of one long finger or the raising on one dark brow. Or with one softly spoken word. (282) hides behind an almost impenetrable mask (284) Very close to Aidan as a boy, almost inseparable. He was bold and daring and mischievous. Aidan followed him happily into every conceivable scrap. (304) "He had to be trained from the age of twelve to take over the duties and responsibilities of the duke. He was separated from the rest of the children to all intents and purposes and put very much under the strict control of two tutors and his father. He hated being the heir. He hated the land and the thought of being bound to it and to the family as its head. He hated the idea of having no choices at all in his life. He wanted adventure and freedom. He wanted a military career. He pleaded and pleaded with our father -- until he accepted reality." (305) |
| Duchess of Bewcastle | [No Appearance] Aidan's mother; a voracious reader, especially of history; she chose her children's outlandish names (85) |
| Miss Benning | [One Appearance] Lady Rochester's fashionable dressmaker; cancelled all her other appointments for the next few days merely because the marchioness was brining her nephew's new bride to be outfitted for her court appearance and for remained of the Season (175) |
| Mr. Biddle | [One Appearance] Charlie head-butted him when they came for Davy and Becky; he had papers signed by the Earl of Luff (258) constable; stood about importantly as if he expected a brawl to break out at any moment (267) |
| Marshal von Blücher | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] invited by Prince of Wales to celebrate allied victories (127) |
| Napoléon Bonaparte | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] had surrendered to the Allied forces in France (8) |
| Kit Butler | [A Summer To Remember] [No Appearance] Three years ago Wulf had refused to allow Freyja to marry the man of her choice, their neighbor and childhood friend, Kit Butler, because he was merely the second son of the Earl of Redfield. Bewcastle had forced her to accept the offer of the eldest son and there had been a dreadful scene when Kit had stormed over and fought Ralf out on the lawn until both of them were bloody. An officer on leave himself at the time, Kit had been sent back to the Peninsula in a hurry. Kit had become Redfield's heir after all. Last year, when he had sold out and come back to England, Redfield and Bewcastle had agreed upon a match between Kit and Freyja, and all had been set in motion for the betrothal celebrations when Kit came home for the summer. When he did arrive, though, he brought a fiancee with him. (124) |
| Catherine, Grand Duchess | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] sister to the Czar of Russia; arrived in England with allies to celebrate at Carlton House (247) |
| Queen Charlotte | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] had some quite rigid rules about what was acceptable wear for ladies in her drawing room (176) more rules about how to exit from her presence (198) The queen almost never speaks to any lady being presented to her. (208) |
| Miss Cowper | [Rare Appearances] Morgan's long-suffering governess, fluttered apologetically in the background. For as long as Aidan had known her, she always looked to him as if she expected Bewcastle at any moment to order the footmen to drag her away to the dungeons and chop off her head. (125) She hovers. She comments on every brushstroke, explaining what she would do if she were the one painting the pictures. And then she apologizes for disturbing [Morgan's] concentration. (132) |
| John, Viscount Denson | [Important Secondary Character] the love of Eve's life (8) Eve had loved and trusted him through fifteen long, silent months (39) "was with the diplomatic service and currently at the embassy in Russia; he had promised Eve he would come straight home when he returned in March and finally make their secret betrothal public. By then, he had told her, he would be a respected diplomat, an important person in his own right, and his father would be powerless to stop him from marrying the woman of his choice."; blond and handsome, with his usual air of ease and confidence (40) late arrival at the Bedwyn Ball; tied to Britain's embassy in Russia (222) blond, smiling, extremely good-looking (223) perfect features (224) had met Eve on a country lane while they were both out riding. They had greeted each other and conversed politely for a minute or two, and then he turned his horse to ride beside her. After that they had met often, by design, always in secret because the earl had firmly refused Papa's suggestion. John had been at university and then in London, beginning his career in the diplomatic service. But whenever he was at home, they had met. Their friendship had deepened inevitably into a romantic attachment. They would marry, John had promised, when he finished university and was of age. They would marry, he had promised later, when his career was established. And then had come the posting to Russia. || He had expected to be gone for a year. They would marry immediately upon his return, he had told her. She had desperately wanted them to marry before he left, or at least to announce their betrothal so they could exchange letters while he was gone. (226) light, pleasant voice; handsome face with perfect features (317) white teeth and beginnings of laugh lines at the corners of his eyes; hands, slim, expressive, well manicured; he knew how to please and how to charm; other ladies were aware of him and kept glancing at him, his blond hair bright and gleaming even beneath the shade of a tree (318) He had not meant to deceive Eve. He had been playing a game of dreams and had assumed she knew the rules and played along with him. He was no villain. He was just not the man Eve thought him. (320) |
| Mrs. Drabble | [One Appearance] talking to Mrs. Philpot after Percy's memorial service (38) |
| Edith | [Rare Appearances] Eve's maid (59) young; thin (65) skilled with her hands (70) timid; one of Eve's lame ducks (200) |
| Edward V | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] was not crowned in Westminster Abbey (84) |
| Fleming | [Rare Appearances] Bewcastle's butler (133) peculiar stiff bows (145) |
| Mrs. Agnes Fuller | [Secondary Character] Ringwood Manor housekeeper; large and solid and hatchet-faced (11) "would have made an excellent sergeant if she had been of the other gender, Aidan thought when he saw her march down the aisle behind her mistress. (36) did time in jail more than once; left London for a better life; got taken up for vagrancy before Eve took her in (50) hands planted on her ample hips as if she were itching to quarrel with someone (65) She came into the room with the tea tray, which she set down none too gently on a table at Eve's elbow. She gave the duke the evil eye and looked as if she were itching for an excuse to toss him down the stairs and out through the front doors without first opening them. (140) hatchet-faced (257) "She glared back at him, and for an interested moment he thought she was going to prove stronger than any man he had ever had under his command -- he thought she was going to argue. (260) |
| Charlie Handrich | [Secondary Character] footman at Ringwood Manor; carried a chair down to the dell for Aunt Mari (6) large, fresh-faced young man (9) "lumbering over the top of the bank from the direction of the house to crash downward toward them in his usual ungainly manner"; "hired by Eve several months ago, even though Ringwood had not needed any more servants, to do odd jobs about the house and stable and park. No one else had wanted to offer [him] employment after the death of his father, the village blacksmith, because he was generally described as a half-wit. Even his father had constantly berated him as a useless lump. Eve had never known anyone more eager to work and to please." "Whenever [he] was sent on an errand, he behaved as if he had been sent to announce the end of he world or something of similarly dire import." "his large feet planted wide, his brow creased in deep furrows of concentration" (10) plump young lad; rather vacant expression (65) |
| Dowager Lady Harvingdean | [One Appearance] at the Bedwyn Ball, told Aidan that his wife was a pretty girl and that she was sparkling as any happy bride ought; told Aidan that he must be doing something very right. (220) |
| Nanny Johnson | [Rare Appearances] nanny to Davy and Becky (18) a widow from Heybridge; known to have a way with children (50) |
| Joshua | [No Appearance] Eve's cousin; Eve would have wed if her father had not forbidden the connection on the grounds that Joshua, though a wealthy shopkeeper, was neither a gentleman nor a (57) landowner. He was now married to someone else and had three young children. (58) good friends with Percy; wanted to marry Eve when he was 28-y-o (109) prosperous; confident; handsome; married 6 months after Mr. Morris refused him Eve (110) |
| Viscount Kimble | [One Appearance] danced with Eve at the Bedwyn Ball (220) |
| Miss Louisa Knapp | [One Appearance] General Knapp's daughter; "Not a word had passed his lips that could be construed as a commitment that bound him in honor to her. Not a word has passed her lips. But there had been a definite, unspoken understanding that soon words would be spoken on both sides." (68) Aidan planned a marriage with her of mutual companionship and comfort (69) a dark-haired, large-boned young lady, strong and capable and sensible, not unpleasing to the eye thought not exactly pretty. She was the ideal mate for an officer, having grown up to the life from infancy and not possessing a delicate bone in her body. (249) |
| General Richard Knapp | [One Appearance] always liked to have his family with him (68) a round, florid, lined face topped with gray hair turning white, a gruff, hearty voice (248) |
| Lady Knapp | [One Appearance] General Knapp's wife (249) |
| Countess of Luff | [No Appearance] held annual garden party at Didcote Park; regularly invited most people with any pretense to gentility in order to make up sufficient numbers; had always pointedly excluded the Morrises. |
| Earl of Luff | [Rare Appearances] refused to let his son marry Eve when Mr. Morris suggested it (30) magistrate (260) an older version of John, his blond hair now gray and thinning on top, but he was still a distinguished looking man (263) |
| Prince Metternich of Austria | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] allied visitor to be entertained at Carlton House (244) |
| Mr. Cecil Morris | [Important Secondary Character] will inherit Ringwood Manor and the Morris funds because Percivial died before inheriting; Percy and Eve's cousin (29) aristocrat sycophant; "bowing and smiling and clad from head to toe in unrelieved black. Even the handkerchief dangling from one of his black-gloved hands was black." "bowing and scraping and simpering" to Aidan (37) "He was small and plump with a puffed-out chest and an important, bustling air. And obsequious to a fault. He did not speak with even a trace of a Welsh accent. Quite the contrary. His accent would make even Bewcastle sound provincial." (38) "observed his surroundings with a self-satisfied air" (42) had "peppered his cousin with marriage proposals when it had seemed in his interest to do so, he was no longer prepared to be bothered with her now that he did not need her. She was to be turned out of the house in four days' time. [He] neither knew nor cared what would become of her." (46) 5'4-5"; a coward and a bully (100) his father was a brother to Eve's father; his father left Wales with Eve's father, leased the largest tenant farm from his brother; his father worked hard and prospered and eventually purchased land; he was always jealous of Percy and Eve; wanted desperately to rise above his origins and be a rich, idle gentleman (110) A weasel who plotted his revenge well. A man of small stature and weak, self-indulged frame, he doubtless knew that he stood no chance of winning any sort of physical contest against Eve's protectors or even against Eve and her housekeeper for that matter. And so he had devised another plan altogether and gone running to a magistrate to claim legal guardianship of the orphaned children, who were related to him in some way on the maternal side. Then he had sent the parish constable with four burly assistants to fetch the children from Ringwood. (258) Does not possess a better nature. (260) |
| Jemima Morris | [Brief Appearances] Cecil's mother; Eve's aunt (41) Davy and Becky's great-aunt; had been the last on the list of relatives to take them in; left to herself, Eve believed she would have opened both her home and her heart to the children, but Cecil had persuaded her that doing so would have shattered her nerves and ruined her health; unknown to Cecil, she had taken the children to Eve (49) |
| Captain Percival "Percy" Morris | [Important Secondary Character] [One Actual Appearance] critically wounded at the battle of Toulouse (2) when a lieutenant, had saved Aidan's life two years ago at the Battle of Salamanca; had been severely wounded in the ensuing fight; had been awarded his captaincy as a result, a promotion he could not afford to purchase (3) "fell in action at Toulouse on April tenth"; "died a hero's death"; Eve's "only brother, her only sibling, whom she had worshipped during childhood, adored fiercely through her girlhood, when he had been restless and rebellious and constantly at odds with Papa, and loved unwaveringly during (13) the long years after he had gone away and then used the unexpected legacy left him by their maternal great-uncle to purchase a commission in a calvary regiment. He had loved [Eve] cheerfully, generously, in return." (14) "without any obviously expensive vices, had been unable to buy promotions as most of his peers did" (20) estranged from father (23) willed Ringwood to Eve; died too soon for will to take effect (31) went to live with great-uncle after quarreling with his father; great-uncle willed Percy the sum he used to purchase his commission (109) |
| Mr. _ Morris | [No Appearance] Percy and Eve's father; estranged from Percy; wanted Percy to stay at Ringwood and learn to be what he called a committed member of the landed gentry (23) "may or may not have possessed a heart" (28) left Ringwood to Eve, but it was to go Percival after one year (29) "He was no better nor any of us though he put on airs good enough for the King of England. He were a coal miner down in Wales before he married the mine owner's daughter and got rich. When the old man died, Morris sold the mine, got richer, bought the manor here, and set up as a gentleman. He had his son and daughter brought up as a gentleman and lady, but he was disappointed in them and serve him right too. Mr. Percival went off to the wars and Miss Morris wouldn't marry none of the nobs he trotted out for her inspection." (30) spent his life dissociating himself from his past and cleaving to those higher on the social scale (61) angry when Percy purchased his commission in a calvary regiment (109) a wealthy coal miner from South Wales (129) despite his great desire to move up the social scale, had never favored extravagance (177) had a fear of water (295) |
| Muffin | [Secondary Character] fancied himself as a prize fisherdog (7) one and a half ears (8) wagging his bit of a tail, looking soulful (17) "a brown dog of indeterminate breed, perhaps partly terrier," "moving with a strange, bobbing gait . . . running mainly on three legs, the fourth curled up beneath it. It was a scruffy mutt with tufty hair interspersed with bald patches, one eye, and one and a half ear." "looked as if it had engaged in a losing battle with a bear." (22) brutally abused by his former owner (60) belonged to one of Eve's tenants, a man whose lease she refused to renew because he was violent with his workers. He left Muffin behind, horribly, horribly maimed and abused. Everyone thought it would be kindest to shoot him. Eve wanted him to have an experience of gentleness and love first. (302) |
| General Naughton | [One Appearance] distinguished-looking older gentleman in military uniform; ran into Aidan at the Pulteney Hotel when he was returning Eve after the sightseeing trip; Aidan introduced Eve as his wife (87) |
| Sir Charles Overly | [One Appearance] late arrival at the Bedwyn Ball; tied to Britain's embassy in Russia (222) |
| Lady Overly | [One Appearance] late arrival at the Bedwyn Ball; congratulated Eve on snagging one of the remarkably elusive Bedwyn brothers (222) |
| Sam Patchett | [Brief Appearances] Ringwood Manor servant; had once been a groom at Didcote; dismissed for poaching (47) |
| Will Perkins | [One Appearance] Agnes broke his nose with her fist when they came for Davy and Becky (258) constable's assistant; sporting a swollen beacon of a nose and two purple eyes; stood about importantly as if he expected a brawl to brak out at any moment (267) |
| Mrs. Philpot | [One Appearance] talking Drabble to Mrs. after Percy's memorial service (38) |
| Aunt Mari Pritchard | [Secondary Character] Eve's aunt; arthritic knees and frequent shortness of breath; watched the children with an affectionate smile on her lined and wrinkled face (6) spent forty years hauling carts of coal along passageways deep in a coal mine until Eve's father granted her a small pension after the death of her husband; a year ago, persuaded by Eve to live at Ringwood (7) thick Welsh accent (8) walked with a cane (9) difficult to understand her thick Welsh accent (22) her little cottage in Wales had been sold; was old and worn out and half crippled (49) fingers somewhat gnarled with rheumatism (72) matchmaker; like an old, wrinkled little sparrow, regarded Aidan with assessing, twinkling eyes (79) sing-song Welsh accent (259) |
| Uncle __ Pritchard | [No Appearance] Aunt Mari's husband; Eve's father's uncle (7) |
| King of Prussia | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] invited by Prince of Wales to celebrate allied victories (127) |
| Reverend Thomas Puddle | [Brief Appearances] served village of Heybridge; "a man who assiduously observed the proprieties"; "a lanky, fresh-faced, auburn-haired young man, the vicar was always awkward and blushing with Eve -- as he was with all his other young female parishioners, with many of whom he was a great favorite" (32) courting Thelma (135) proposed to Thelma (300) proved himself to be a very creditable [cricket] bowler (313) |
| Viscount Ravensberg | [No Appearance] eldest son of the Earl of Redfield; neighbor to the Bedwyns; betrothed to Freyja (236) |
| Rawlings | [One Appearance] Aidan's aide-de-camp (2) |
| Dowager Countess of Redfield | [No Appearance] Wulf returned to Lindsey Hall to attend her funeral (122) |
| Earl of Redfield | [No Appearance] father to Kit Butler (124) |
| Benjamin Rice | [Rare Appearances] young son of Thelma Rice (7) |
| Thelma Rice | [Secondary Character] governess at Ringwood Manor; had two pupils and an infant son (6) young; blond hair (35) an unfortunate governess who had been dismissed from her employment after it was discovered that she was increasing with her employer's child and had been grubbing out a meager existence ever since by taking in laundry (50) an unmarried gentlewoman who was turned out of her employment because she was bering her married employer a bastard child after he had forced his attentions on her (59) the only servant at Ringwood (besides Ned) who could read and write (198) |
| James Robson | [Brief Appearances] Eve's neighbor; went to Ringwood to notify Eve of Bonaparte's surrender (7) the same age as Percy; grew up together as neighbors and friends (33) married to Serena for five years (39) |
| Serena Robson | [Brief Appearances] James Robson's wife; married to James for five years; invited Eve to come live with them (39) |
| Marchioness of Rochester | [Secondary Character] the Bedwyn's aunt; Bewcastle determined that she would sponsor Eve (130) would sponsor Eve in her presentation to the queen; would help Eve choose a suitable wardrobe; instruct Eve in any aspects of polite behavior (143) incredibly high in the instep (162) "the marchioness swept into the room, dressed and coifed for a morning outing. She carried a long-handled lorgnette in her right hand, an affectation she had indulged in for as far back as Aidan could remember, though he suspected that she had perfect eyesight. She wore a jeweled ring on each finger." strict about punctuality; member of charitable committees (170) famous for her bluntness. What would have been deemed unpardonable rudeness in anyone else was dubbed eccentricity in the daughter of a duke and wife of a marquess. (171) "I never neglect my duties to those less fortunate than myself." haughty (172) a very important personage indeed; had the full weight of the authority of the Duke of Bewcastle behind her (175) a hard taskmaster; loved to give orders (197) She used her lorgnette to display her displeasure at unseemly displays of levity. (198) rustled with dignified displeasure (203) |
| Mrs. Rowe | [Rare Appearances] Ringwood Manor cook (9) had a reputation as the best cook in Oxfordshire; was once a cook for all the girls and their fancy gents in a London brothal (48) |
| Czar of Russia | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] invited by Prince of Wales to celebrate allied victories (127) |
| Mrs. Rutledge | [One Appearance] attended party at Didcote Park; talking to Serena about some matter related to church (318) |
| Soult | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] commander of the French forces at the battle at Calvinet Ridge (1) |
| William the Conqueror | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] crowned in Westminster Abbey (84) |
| [Unnamed] | [No Appearance] Percy and Eve's great uncle; Percy went to live with him after he quarreled with his father; a wealthy shopkeeper and merchant; almost as rich as Mr. Morris, but he had no similar ambition to move up in the social scale and break into the ranks of the landed gentry. He was happy with his life and achievements. When he died everything went to his son, except for a sum large enough to purchase Percy's commission (109) |
Locations, Organizations Found In "Slightly Married"
| Location / Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| Toulouse, France | location where book begins (Prologue); Aidan and his battalion fought the French here (1) |
| England :: 1814 | main setting and era of book |
| . . . | . . . |
| Alvesley | home of the Earl of Redfield (125) |
| Bedwyn House | Bewcastle's home in London (145) |
| Calvinet Ridge | near the battlefield upon which Aidan walks in the Prologue; to the east of the city of Toulouse (1) |
| Carlton House | where the Prince of Wales lived; Aidan drove by this location while touring London with Eve (85) |
| Clarendon | where Aidan rented a room for himself when arrived in London (69) |
| Didcote Park | where the Earl and Countess of Luff lived (135) home of John, Viscount Denson; located five miles from Ringwood Manor (229) country set of the Earl of Luff; Eve had never before set foot on the property. Invitations to social events at the house were issued only to those families who were of indisputably gentle birth. Her father, with all his wealth, had never come close to qualifying. (261) The house was an elegant, perfectly proportioned Georgian mansion. It was where John had grown up -- his home. (262) |
| The Green Man and Still | inn to which Aidan took Eve when she decided to return home; a large inn and the cobbled yard so bustling with noise and activity that Eve was bewildered by it all (150) |
| Gunter's | where Aidan took Eve during the tour of London to get ices (85) |
| Hampshire | where Lindsey Hall, the country seat of Duke of Bewcastle was located (19) |
| Heybridge | village near Ringwood Manor (5) |
| Hyde Park | one of the sights in London that Eve wished to see (79) far more like a piece of the countryside than a park in the middle of the largest city in the world (85) |
| Impregnable | ship that brought allied visitors to England soil (242) |
| Jackson's Boxing Salon | where Aidan spent his afternoons while in London (242) |
| Lindsey Hall | located in Hampshire; the home of Duke of Bewcastle (19) long, straight, wide avenue, lined with elm trees standing at attention like soldiers on parade led to Lindsey Hall (120) massive stone mansion succeeded in looking breath-takingly magnificent even though it displayed a mishmash of architectural styles. It had been in the family since it was built as a much smaller manor in the Middle Ages. Successive barons and then earls and then dukes had made additions to it without effecting any subtractions, and no effort had ever been made to blend the fashions of different ages. The long avenue branched in two some distance from the house to circle a gloriously colorful flower garden with a marble fountain at its center -- both courtesy of a Georgian great-grandfather. Water shot thirty feet into the air and sprayed downward in all directions, like rainbow-colored spokes of a giant parasol. (121) meticulously preserved medieval hall with its oak-beamed ceiling, its intricately carved screen with a minstrel gallery above, its whitewashed walls decorated with arms and banners and weapons, and its massive oak dining table (124-125) |
| Oxford Street | where Aidan took Eve to purchase gifts for Davy, Becky, and Benjamin (86) |
| Oxfordshire | where Ringwood Manor was located (5) |
| Pulteney Hotel in Piccadilly | the best London had to offer; where Aidan rented rooms for Eve and Aunt Mari when they arrived in London (68) |
| Ringwood Manor | Eve's home: located in Oxfordshire (5) an attractive place, the manor old and mellow, the park sizable and nicely set out. It looked prosperous enough, though looks might be deceiving (20) Eve's father left the property to her; property is unentailed (23) a prosperous property (23) |
| Royal Academy | where Freyja suggested they go since they missed seeing the Allies arrive in London (247) |
| Battle of Salamanca | where Lieutenant Morris had saved Aidan's life when his horse had been shot out from under him (3) |
| St. James Place | one of the sights in London that Eve wished to see (79) |
| St. Paul's Cathedral | Aidan's favorite church in London; massive and beautiful (81) 534 steps to the highest gallery to inspect the dome (82) |
| Somerset House | where the Royal Academy was located (248) |
| Tattersall's | Aidan going there with Alleyne, who wanted to purchase some horses (193) |
| Thames River | famous river in London; Aidan pointed it out to Eve during their sightseeing tour (82) |
| Three Feathers Inn | inn in Heybridge where Aidan let a room (15) bed hard, pillow lumpy, service less than prompt, taproom noisy; whoe place lacking something in spruceness even though it was passably clean (19) |
| The Tower of London | one of the sights in London that Eve wished to see (79) |
| South Wales | where Mr. Morris was from (129) |
| Westminster Abbey | church; Aidan pointed it out to Eve during their sightseeing tour (82) every monarch since William the Conqueror (except for Edward V) crowed here (84) |
| White's Club | where Aidan was going to go with Alleyne (193) |
❀ . . Top . . ❀ . . Review . . ❀ . . Series . . ❀ . . Characters . . ❀ . . Quotes . . ❀ . . Links . . ❀ . . End. . ❀
"Slightly Married" Quotations
| 60 | "They are people to whom life has been cruel. They are precious persons of no less value in the sacred scheme of things than you or I." (Eve) |
| 141 | "Then you may decline on my behalf, your grace. I might, you will understand, arrive there in a crumpled cotton dress with rags in my hair and proceed to tell vulgar stories and dance on the table after I have imbibed a few drinks." (Eve) |
| 184 | "You may speak to your men like that if you wish. You will not speak to me thus. I will not be bullied -- not by you, not by the Duke of Bewcastle, not by the Marchioness of Rochester, not by anyone. I came to London of my own free will. I remained of my own free will -- and against yours. I accepted Lady Rochester as a mentor of my own free will. I came and I remain, not as an inferior who must be whipped into shape in order not to shame the illustrious name of Bedwyn, but as an equal to return a favor you performed for me a few weeks ago." (Eve) |
| 202 | Aidan was amazed to discover that he was enjoying himself. She had them all bested -- a duke, a marchioness, and a lord. (Aidan) |
| 248 | Eve had won their regard in the only possible way -- by not seeking it. (Aidan) |
| 277 | This had been a full-faced, radiant smile, curving his mouth, crinkling his eyes at the corners, brightening his whole face. All the dark, forbidding harshness had fled, to be replaced by a beauty full of light and warmth and potential laughter. (Eve) |
| 307 | Two brothers, very close as children, had been driven asunder by circumstances, leaving one with power over the other. Each of them had wanted the other's life, but circumstances had made it impossible for them to make the exchange. And so life -- the realities of life -- had driven an irrevocable wedge between them, destroying or at least submerging the love they had once felt for each other and making one of them cold and dutiful, the other harsh and dutiful. (Eve) |
| 326 | "Don't you go breaking my lamb's heart any more than it is already broke, she said. "I am not afraid to take you on, I'm not, though I know I couldn't beat you even if I had a pistol in each hand and a dagger between my teeth." (Agnes) |
❀ . . Top . . ❀ . . Review . . ❀ . . Series . . ❀ . . Characters . . ❀ . . Quotes . . ❀ . . Links . . ❀ . . End. . ❀
"Mary Balogh -- Slightly Married" Review and Information Links
Note: Didn't feel like spending the time to do a truly comprehensive search.
| Rated | Posted | Site | Notes, Comments, Etc. |
|---|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | Mary Balogh's Website | Author |
| -- | -- | Mary Balogh's Facebook | Author |
| -- | -- | Mary Balogh's Twitter | Author |
| . . . | . . . | . . . | . . . |
| -- | -- | Books Series In Order | List of Mary Balogh's Books |
| -- | -- | Fantastic Fiction | List of Mary Balogh's Books |
| -- | -- | Fict Fact | List of Books In "The Bedwyn Saga" |
| -- | -- | Fiction DB | List of Mary Balogh's Books |
| . . . | . . . | . . . | . . . |
| B+ / warm | 04-24-2003 | All About Romance | --Megan Frampton: lots of story detail; short, but good review |
| 4.4 average | 287 reviews | Amazon | as of: October 11, 2017 |
| 4.1 average | 67 reviews | Barnes & Noble | as of: October 11, 2017 |
| 3.94 average | 10,507 ratings | Good Reads | as of: October 11, 2017 |
| -- | -- | Historical Novel Society | strictly a PR review |
| 3.87 average | 253 ratings | Library Thing | as of: October 11, 2017 |
| 4.0 average | 322 ratings | Paperback Swap | as of: October 11, 2017 |
| -- | 09-05-2017 | Pinkindle | okay, but disagreed |
| -- | 04-xx-2003 | Reviewer's Choice | --Barbara Fielding; more summary than review |
| 4.5 | -- | Romantic Times Book Reviews | --Kathe Robin // PR Review |
| 4.85 | 10-11-2017 | Wolf Bear Does Books |
❀ . . Top . . ❀ . . Review . . ❀ . . Series . . ❀ . . Characters . . ❀ . . Quotes . . ❀ . . Links . . ❀ . . End. . ❀
♥ Disclaimer: I Purchased This Book
♥ Very Subjective Rating (my enjoyment of a book depends on what else is going on in my life, my moods, etc.)
♣ Will add your Slightly Married review link to table, just ask
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