My Lord Highwayman (Zebra Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: a surprisingly enjoyable read!
Review: I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did: at first glance it seemed to possess a rather predictably avereage plot -- that of a romance between a young and beautiful governess and the much wronged and ostracised hero. But Valerie King's "My Lord Highwayman" managed to suprise even me. There's so much more going on in this novel, and on every level, so that I can safely recommend this book as a highly satisfying and enjoyable read.

Miss Abigail Chailey is on her way to her latest post at the Lavant household when her coach is stopped by a mysterious and dashing Spanish highwayman. Abigail and her highwayman share a rather magical kiss under the moonlit skies, and such is the highwayman's effect on her, that she cannot forget him in spite of all the high drama that going on at Three Rivers Cross. And indeed high drama is the best description for all that's going on in this rather sleepy community. To begin with there is the very eccentric behaviour of Three Rivers Cross very own highwayman. A bit of a Robin Hood, he preys only on those affluent members of the community that have refused to support the building of an orphange, donating all the money he has stolen towards the building of said orphanage. And then there is THE SCANDAL.

Almost 20 years ago, Lord Treyford, her employer's good friend, fell in love with the very young Duchess of Chandross, and tried to elope with her. They were stopped by the very irate Duke, and a duel ensued in which both men were injured. However, the Duchess's sister, Lady Waldron, has kept this scandal alive by poisonously slandering Lord Treyford. Both she and her husband have successfully made an outcast of Treyford in his own community, and they have also blocked Treyford's desire to build an orphange in the community. Almost from the very beginning Abigail is warned by Lady Waldron to aviod Treyford, but because of Lavant's friendship with Treyford, Abigail sees a side of Treyford that sits at odds with Lady Waldron's warnings. Abigail is not only drawn to Treyford's good looks but to his intelligence and charisma as well, but not even he can compete with her highwayman. Treyford is also drawn to Abigail: not only is she beautiful, but she also possesses a lively mind and is without the kind of artifice he usually associates with beautiful women. But can this tenuous attraction blossom? Abigail is looking for someone whom she can love, but who will love and value her in return. And having suffered from a rather lonely childhood, she desires to be part of a community more than anything else. Could the completely ostracised Treyford provide her with what she is seeking? What then of her highwayman? As for Treyford, he is very much attracted to Abigail, but can she replace his memory of his lost love?

When I first read the opening chapter of "My Lord Highwayman", I couldn't help shaking my head in disbelief: I was asked to accept that Abigail was a young and beautiful governess, and with a trail of broken engagements behind her. This beggared belief: people seldom hired beautiful governesses, and for a governess to have been engaged more than once and to eligible parties as well, unbelievable! But as the novel progressed, I found myself totally engrossed at the goings on at Three Rivers Cross, and rooting for Abigail to find what it is she was looking for. I was really charmed by Abigail Chailey (and I'm seldom charmed by incredibly beautiful heroines).

As I noted before this is a novel that seems to be packed with subplots: from the obssessive need the Waldrons have to destroy Treyford; to the highwayman's connection to the Three Rivers Cross community; to Abigail's efforts to try and teach her young charge something of what it takes to be a polished young woman of society. But what this novel ultimately boils down to is relationship that develops and grows between Treyford and Abigail, and the reader's fervent hope that all ends well for them. This is a well written book, with well developed characters, and worthy of a 4 star rating.