Someone to Trust
Elizabeth's Story
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- ¥500
発行者による作品情報
During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in this historical romance novel in the Westcott series.
After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.
They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Balogh's emotionally rich fifth Westcott Regency (after Someone to Care) is the best installment yet. Colin Handrich, Baron Hodges, joins the Westcott family for Christmas, where he renews his friendship with Elizabeth, the widowed Lady Overfield. Caught up in the magic that only an unexpected Christmas snowfall can create, both begin to realize that their affection for each other has deepened into attraction and even love. But Elizabeth is 35 years old and Colin is a mere 26. Acknowledging the societal double standard that sees women marry much older men but scorns the reverse, Elizabeth nonetheless refuses Colin's proposal, and they seek other partners. But their agreement to dance one waltz at any ball they attend allows their feelings to grow and eventually precipitates a challenging choice. Amid the battle between love and social convention, Balogh addresses family tensions and trauma: Colin's bizarre, semi-estranged mother provides both comic relief and a hint of darkness, while Elizabeth must deal with painful memories of her alcoholic, abusive late husband. The balance between sweet and bitter produces a complex and winning love story.
