*Editorial Book Review*
An older hero, an enigmatic heroine and a delightfully outspoken four-year-old. Throw scandal into the mix for a gripping and tender Regency love story.
August 1816.
Lord Frederick Danlow returns to England after spending 18 years in India. He plans to make a home for himself and his motherless, four-year-old daughter, Ruperta. Unsure where to start, he accepts an invitation to stay at Ponsonby Place, home of Colonel Jack Ponsonby who made his fortune in India, and his daughter Susannah, the mistress of the household.
Soon Frederick finds himself in need of a governess—and a wife? The more time he spends with Susannah, the more his admiration of her deepens. Is she the woman with whom he will share his life?
He is resolved to court her, but then his younger brother Henry engulfs his family in an appalling scandal that could prevent any lady from agreeing to a connection with it. Now Frederick must support his family during this ordeal.
But what of Susannah? What will she say when she hears of the scandal? Should he, dare he offer her his heart and his hand?
“He would have been content to grow old in India with Jiya but she had been cruelly taken from him and India had lost its savour.”
It had been 18 years since Lord Frederick Danlow had stood on English soil. With his four-year-old daughter in tow, he must look to make a life for himself. But so much has changed since he was last here, and he needed guidance on what to do next.
Having been invited into the home of Colonel Jack Ponsonby, who had made his money in India and has a spinster daughter, Frederick begins to realise just how different the two countries are, but thankfully, the colonel and his daughter Susannah are on hand to give advice and a place to catch his breath.
Frederick was surprised at how effortless it was to be around Susannah. However, with the reputation of his family being tarnished by the crimes of his younger brother, he wondered if she would ever consent to his hand in marriage.
With a graceful flourish of her quill, Catherine Kullmann crafts a beautifully tender romance in "Lord Frederick’s Return: A Regency Novel." Her storytelling effortlessly draws readers into this enchanting era, where the characters navigate a landscape of societal expectations and personal desires. The narrative is not only beautifully crafted but also rich in detail, rendering it a delightful and memorable reading experience.
Lord Frederick Danlow is vividly portrayed as a gentleman of noble lineage, exuding the refined elegance that accompanies his aristocratic upbringing. His character is intricately shaped by the rich and challenging experiences during his time in India, which has deeply influenced his worldview. With a thoughtful and often pensive demeanour, Frederick bears the subtle weight of weariness that life’s complexities have etched upon him. At the heart of his concerns is the well-being of his four-year-old daughter, Ruperta, whose joyful innocence stands in sharp contrast to the burdens that Frederick carries. His protective instincts drive a passionate urgency in his actions, stemming from a father’s love for his only daughter. The tender memories of his past relationship with Jiya, the mother of his children, echo in the recesses of his mind, interwoven with vibrant recollections of the lush, sprawling landscapes of India—a land that has left an indelible mark on his identity and spirit. This poignant blend of nostalgia and dislocation transforms him into a complex figure, one who feels intrinsically out of place as he navigates the familiar yet foreign terrain of England after his lengthy absence. The sights and sounds of his homeland, now tinged with strangeness, evoke feelings of both longing and alienation. Upon reuniting with his brother, Frederick experiences a profound sense of disconnection, as if he is a mere visitor in his own home. This uncomfortable realisation underscores the significant impact of his prolonged absence, making him acutely aware of the changes that have unfolded in his time away. He is eager to rebuild family ties, yet his thoughts are dominated by the responsibilities he feels toward Ruperta, determined to ensure her safety and happiness above all else. Although he has left behind two twin sons in India, there exists a palpable distance in their relationship. The reader senses that the bond Frederick shares with his daughter is far more profound and intimate than that with his sons, evoking a strong sense of longing for connection and belonging. Frederick Danlow emerges as a character who inspires sympathy and empathy, compelling readers to root for his journey as he seeks to rediscover his place in the country of his birth, yearning for a sense of belonging that has eluded him for so long.
Miss Susannah Ponsonby is portrayed as an exceptionally gracious and nurturing woman. Born in the vibrant landscapes of India, she was brought to England by her English father, Colonel Jack Ponsonby, who has always held a cherished position in her heart. As she navigates her life in England, Susannah often feels like an outsider, struggling to find her place in a society that values wealth and status while looking down on people of mixed heritage. Although one suitor relentlessly pursues her, his motives are painfully transparent; he is more captivated by her father’s considerable fortune than by her character and spirit. As a result, Susannah remains unmarried, quietly enduring the societal pressure that often accompanies a woman’s single status. Deep down, she yearns for a family and a home of her own, but she possesses the maturity and wisdom to refuse to settle for a man who seeks only her father’s wealth. Her emotional bond with her father is profound and genuine, yet she often wrestles with the haunting question of why he chose not to marry her mother or bring her to England when he relocated. The absence of her mother casts a long shadow over Susannah’s life, and the sense of loss lingers even after many years. With a unique perspective shaped by her experiences in both English and Indian cultures, Susannah quickly forms a bond with the spirited young Ruperta, recognising a kindred spirit in her. At the same time, she finds herself captivated by the charming Lord Frederick, whose dashing demeanour and charisma intrigue her. Despite this, Susannah remains practical and grounded; at her age, society labels her a spinster, and she feels she has no time to indulge in fanciful dreams of romance. Overall, Susannah Ponsonby is a deeply compelling character who invites empathy and admiration. Her genuine nature and relatable struggles make her a remarkable presence in the story, embodying resilience and grace amid the complexities of her world.
Little Ruperta is a vibrant and spirited child who radiates joy wherever she goes. Her infectious laughter and boundless energy make her utterly delightful, endearing her to everyone around her. With her bright, curious eyes, she eagerly explores the world, asking countless questions as she seeks to understand everything she encounters. Her love for her father is evident in the way she looks up to him with admiration, always seeking his assurance, love, and, of course, asking him to read her another story! Ruperta is like a beam of sunshine, bringing warmth and positivity that can brighten even the toughest days, leaving a trail of smiles in her wake.
The scandal surrounding Frederick’s younger brother unfolds with careful precision, casting a shadow over the family’s otherwise esteemed reputation. Henry flickers into the narrative like a shadow, his presence fleeting yet impactful. Although he appears in the story for only a moment, readers are encouraged to reflect more deeply on his character and the twists of fate that led him to this pivotal moment in his life, standing trial in court for triple homicide.
The setting of the story is intricately detailed and plays a vital role in shaping its themes. The narrative begins on the East Indiaman, a grand ship that cuts through the Indian Ocean, with the sun setting behind the vanishing coastline of India. This imagery poignantly symbolises Frederick’s departure from his former life, suggesting a transition filled with both promise and uncertainty. The confined, somewhat monotonous environment of the ship creates a stark contrast to the vibrant life on land, reinforcing Frederick’s feelings of isolation as he navigates these new waters. As the story unfolds, rich descriptions of the English countryside come to life, including Colonel Ponsonby’s impressive manor. This setting highlights the stark cultural differences between the lush, exotic landscapes of India and the more familiar, yet equally alien, terrain of England. Thankfully, there is a little of India in Colonel Ponsonby’s estate, which does initially help Frederick and his daughter, but as the narrative shifts to London, a sense of dislocation becomes palpable as he struggles with a world that feels both welcoming and alien. The sharp transition from the elegance of Rickersby House, adorned with opulent furnishings and intricate decor, to the grim, imposing atmosphere of the courtroom reveals the darker side of urban life. The Sessions House looms large, its architecture stark and foreboding, contributing to an atmosphere fraught with tension. This juxtaposition not only establishes the historical context but also creates a palpable mood of unease.
Susannah and Ruperta (although Ruperta is innocently unaware) face significant challenges due to their mixed heritage and the difficult circumstances of their births. This background renders them undesirable in the eyes of many, including certain family members, who refuse to accept them into their social circles. This rejection is deeply painful and serves as a harsh reminder of societal prejudices. As Susannah’s relationship with Frederick blossoms, she grapples with a nagging insecurity, convinced that her history disqualifies her from being the right partner for someone like him. The prospect of becoming his wife fills her with anxiety, particularly because of the judgment she knows she would face from women of the Ton, especially if her experience of Mrs. Lowe is anything to go by. The societal prejudices of the era serve as a poignant reminder of how the aristocracy exercised its power over others.
Kullmann has expertly captured the complex social dynamics of the era, particularly in her portrayal of the relationships between British men and their Indian mistresses. These men often engaged in passionate romances while stationed in India, only to sever those ties upon their return to England. They frequently cast aside the women who had shared their lives and hearts in a foreign land, opting instead to marry women who were considered more socially acceptable and aligned with the expectations of their peers. This societal norm adds a profound layer of emotional complexity to Susannah’s experience, forcing her to grapple with complex feelings towards her father—she loves him dearly, but she misses her mother, who was left behind in India. Interestingly, although Frederick sympathises with Susannah, he, just like Susannah's father, did not marry Ruperta's mother.
"Lord Frederick’s Return: A Regency Novel" by Catherine Kullmann is a masterfully woven tale that captures the essence of the Regency era with its enchanting narrative and captivating characters. Each page immerses you in a world of elegance, social intricacies, and heartfelt emotions, making it a delightful addition to your library.
I Highly Recommend.
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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