"fabulous seventeenth century romance"
In 1657 Captain Robert "Graysteel" Montgomery fights to
put Charles on the throne, but General Monck and his
troops trap Graysteel and his soldiers; the captain
surrenders to keep his men alive. Monck offers to send
Graysteel's men home in exchange for Graysteel providing
him insight as to how the people feel about Cromwell.
Able to remain loyal to Charles, Graysteel agrees. Meanwhile his betrothed, Elizabeth "Velvet" Cavendish, is
on the continent with her parents when her mother dies.
Her dad remarries a woman her age so Velvet returns to
England to live with the Dowager Countess Christian of
Devonshire. Graysteel learns the people detest the iron rule and that
Cromwell is dying. Graysteel and Velvet meet for the
first time in thirteen years only to argue. Graysteel
courts Velvet and they make love. Velvet finds a
Roundhead uniform in his closet so she accuses him of
being a traitor. He is angry that she does not trust
him. Charles tells her the truth, she apologizes and they
marry. Velvet loves Graysteel but has trouble trusting
any man. Graysteel loves Velvet but believes if she loved
him she would trust him. It will take a miracle for these
lovebirds to trust one another. The key to this fine Restoration tale is the insightful
look at the era and personage that is cleverly woven
inside a fine romance starring two courageous supporters
of Charles who love each other but also distrust one
another. That trust issue is overly done as much of their
conflict appears unnecessary if either took the time to
talk with the other. Still no one is better than Virginia
Henley at incorporating the period's details to enhance a
fabulous seventeenth century romance. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 30, 2005
SummaryNew York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley
weaves an enchanting tale of passion and intrigue in
England's Golden Age...
Thirteen years ago, Alex Greysteel Montgomery, an Earl and
double agent—now working to restore King Charles II to
the throne—was betrothed to the impetuous Velvet
Cavendish. Their parents saw the engagement as a business
opportunity—and although Greysteel has always had an
affinity for Velvet, she has not returned his affections.
Once she is united with Greysteel, Velvet is determined to
break their bond. She has had her sights set on none other
than King Charles II since she was a young girl....and what
ordinary man could compete? But Greysteel is equally
determined to wed the fiery beauty who has stirred him like
no other—and conquer and rule her heart...
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