REMEMBER ME is book two in the Ravenswood Regency historical romance series by Mary Balogh. This is a gentle book, reminding me of Grace Burrowes' slow romances. It features an "older" heroine of twenty-four, felt to almost be on the shelf by Regency standards!
Lady Philippa Ware, or Pippa as she is better known, has finally come to London for her come-out. She's the eldest daughter of the Earl of Stratton. Four years ago, the earl was caught in a flagrant affair by her brother and was called out publicly for it, which shattered the whole family and left Pippa and her siblings in disgrace. Shortly afterward, Pippa was attending a maypole dance and overheard a handsome young man call her "soiled goods." Pippa didn't tell anyone about this except her older brother but fell into a deep depression that lasted for years. Poor Pippa--I so felt for her!
Pippa finally finds the courage to go to London where she takes the ton by storm and is declared a diamond of the first water. She makes a new close friend but is dismayed to learn that her new friend's brother is the man who devastated her years ago. Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, has been tasked by his dying grandfather the Duke of Wilby with immediate marriage and the prompt attention to providing an heir. Lucas doesn't push back very hard against this edict and shyly proceeds to make the rounds of ton events in pursuit of a bride acceptable to his grandparents. When Lucas discovers that Pippa is the woman who has now captured his heart, can she forgive him for destroying her life?
I had some issues with how both Lucas and Pippa acquiesce to the machinations of the Duke of Wilby, who mostly seems like an enormous ass. While I certainly understand why Lucas said the hurtful thing that he did about Pippa years ago, I feel that she was too understanding (almost immediately too!) and forgave him too easily. Once they overcome this roadblock, things seem to fall very easily into place, with little to challenge our two lovers on their slow fall into a gentle love. While the tranquil pace of REMEMBER ME does seem to fit a Regency-era story, I miss the more vigorous Balogh writing of old. Still, Balogh maintains her auto-read status for me, and I look forward to seeing the next sibling in the Ware family meet their match to come.
Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? Discover the passionate and heartwarming new novel on the redemptive power of love from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.
Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton. She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.
The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.
Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.
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