This Victorian romance set in London, a city of great contrasts, is well worth reading. Bronwyn Scott always does her research and involves social issues of the day. LORD TRESHAM’S TEMPTING RIVAL turns out to be Anne Peverett, as the daughter of a country doctor, well acquainted with healing. She has chosen the work of an apothecary and herbalist.

While the training for herbalists is minimal, with doctors, it’s different. Dr. Lord Ferris Tresham is a physician who trained at Edinburgh, and he associates with Florence Nightingale, who is concerned with the war in the Crimea. Women, just by insisting on higher standards of cleanliness, are making a difference to the survival rate of injured soldiers. The Tresham family socialise in London, which is where Ferris also keeps his practice, giving freely to the poor.

The Peveretts of Haberstock Hall is an interesting series. Many historical romances stop at the ballroom and boudoir. While we get those scenes, we also get dirt, disease such as whooping cough, and grinding poverty in the East End. We start with streets foggy from coal smoke, move to a charity ball, and along the way visit Bramble, a fine country house. There is also a relevant trip to the Chelsea Physic Garden, full of useful and medicinal plants.  

Ferris is opposed to women handing out and selling herbal tinctures and salves – the goods could be useless or dangerous. But the well-trained Miss Peverett is furious because she isn’t allowed to study to be a doctor. Only men need apply. We can clearly see that the two fine people will be at odds, more’s the pity.

This well-rounded romance has plenty to keep readers turning the pages, working towards a Christmas resolution. LORD TRESHAM’S TEMPTING RIVAL is the first in Bronwyn Scott’s historical series. I’ll be keen to read the rest.