The bulk of this story occurs in Spain and France in the final years of the Peninsular Campaign (1813-1814). Major Lord Mark Adair is a cavalry officer doing reconnaisance work for Wellington and his staff. Sophia Featherstonaugh is the daughter of Lord Harry Featherstonaugh, a hard-drinking, selfish, faithless, reckless, irresponsible cavalry officer who was killed in action at Talaverra. Each of the protagonists have life experience which provide them with excellent arguments against marrying for love, or trusting love.

This beautiful character-driven story allows for a slow evolution of love over months with deepening intimacy. Several poor choices by Adair are offset by his consistency in taking Sophia and her talents seriously. He recognizes her gifts from the beginning, and gives her recognition and acceptance she gets from no one else. Both Adair and Sophia come across as strong, intelligent, caring, honorable people.

I enjoyed reading a story that tells of a love which begins with mutual attraction and unfolds, deepening over time.

Sensuality rating: PG
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