Her memory has returned
And she's the Countess of Epping!
Mary has arrived home, after months away, following a
traumatic encounter with a highwayman that wiped her memory. Back in her grand
house, her aloof -- but distractingly handsome -- husband, Anthony, is wary,
suspecting her of the worst! But how can she explain that she'd become brave
and wily to survive? She'll need those skills if she's to win back her earl's
trust, and if they're to resume as man and wife once more…
Good book. Anthony was a widower when he met Mary at a
house party. She was the paid companion of an unpleasant old woman. They
married quickly, but though she worshipped him, Mary never felt as though she
belonged in his world. Meanwhile, thanks to the disaster of his previous marriage,
Anthony kept himself back, reluctant to trust his feelings.
When Mary disappeared, Anthony believed the worst - that
she had run away with another man - and wrote her off. In truth, Mary and the
groom with her had been attacked by highwaymen. In the melee, Mary was injured
and lost her memory. The story of what happened to her was heartbreaking, and
her loss of memory was understandable. Three months later, after being taken in
and cared for by a troupe of actors, Mary found herself back at her home with
her memory returning. Anthony is shocked by her return and suspicious of her
story. He is torn between throwing her out and taking her back.
I liked Mary very much. Because of her memory loss, her
time away allowed her to develop skills and strength she'd never had before. No
longer is she the meek, quiet, and biddable mouse she had been. She stands up
to Anthony's suspicions and unwelcoming attitude. I ached for her and the hurt
she felt when she discovered that he hadn't bothered to search for her when she
disappeared. I enjoyed seeing her channel her "Perdita" identity as
the countess.
I had a tough time liking Anthony. Though he began well
by marrying Mary, who stirred unexpected feelings in him, his "I know
best" treatment of her was too controlling. It was countered by him
neglecting to help her fit in and oblivious to how others treated her. But I
lost all respect for him when he didn't bother to look for her after she disappeared.
Even after he had proof, his constant questioning of her story irritated me and
hurt Mary. He redeemed himself somewhat at the end, and I liked seeing him finally
admit his mistakes, but it will take work for him not to backslide.
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