LADY AND THE LAIRD moves on to 1812 when Lucy, single at twenty-four and working on mathematics, as a change from her brief foray into provocative erotic poetry, puts the pen down to talk to her mischievous brother Lachlan. He tells her that he wants to marry a girl, but Robert Methven has asked for her hand too; can Lucy help? Robert had made money trading timber in Canada and has now inherited a title. Lucy, a red-haired, blue-eyed girl, wonders if Robert remembers her. When Robert's intended jilts him Lucy is in the church... feeling guilty. The rival clans gloat and Lucy receives attentions from her cousin Wilfred, whose pockets are to let, and who would like to marry her money. Robert then informs her that if he doesn't marry a descendent of the Earls of Cardross within a year he will forfeit his inheritance. Lucy has unwittingly played into his enemies' hands.

I found Lucy suspiciously benevolent, donating all her allowance to foundlings' hospitals when in chilly castles she would surely have wanted to buy books and clothes. She has to be chaperoned, but the older lady doesn't take her job too seriously. Lucy complains of stifling rules, yet she is allowed to study and to attend political and economic lectures, which most women were not expected to understand. The laird, or landowner, at this time might force tenant farmers off the land, making more from sheep or sales than the meagre rent they could afford. Robert is determined to see that this doesn't happen to his tenants - as it will if the next nearest heir gains control. He is a good strong character, versed in astronomy and navigation, a second son who didn't expect to inherit. I also liked the Highland Ladies Bluestocking Society. The landscape descriptions are atmospheric, with mists, glens and pewter skies.

LADY AND THE LAIRD by Nicola Cornick is very good fun and this historical romance is well worth a read.

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