Cumberland, 1786
Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.
Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly façade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.
Kester and Violet were a refreshing couple. The complimented each other in all the right ways and challenged each other to be better. Sarah Eden has such a way with her characters that makes them completely human and completely wonderful.
I found that once I picked this one up, I was transported to the Gents' gathering and didn't want to leave. Kester is everything a gentleman should be, just a little introverted. He absolutely was concerned with other's comfort over his own.
I loved Violet and her bravery. It is a lot for someone to navigate. Her father was in trade and that put a blemish on the family in the eyes of the ton. She never felt that from our Gents, however.
Those who have read the Jonquil books written by this author will adore the interactions with Lucas and Julia as they are preparing for their first arrival. I cried when we got to meet Philip.
I love this book, it was perfect. I can't wait to get to know the other Gents better. They already have a place in my heart. It was also wonderful to learn more about Stanley. The ties to the other books are there, though it could be read on its own, but I would read the others as well.