Kathryn Caskie, Lady in Waiting

Lady in Waiting

Kathryn Caskie

Warner, Jan 2005

ISBN: 0446614246

In 1818 Bath, Genevieve Penny works as a maid to the elderly Featherton sisters and their grandniece Meredith Merriweather. However, Genevieve dreams of being a lady because though her mother is the head housekeeper; her father was an aristocrat. Meredith asks Genevieve to try on one of her new dresses as they are the same size. They go to show off the dresses to Featherton siblings, but Scottish Marquis Callum Campbell is visiting the sisters, who realize that Callum and Genevieve are attracted to one another.

Genevieve learns that facial lotion has become popular amongst the Ton as a tingle cream. As she begins to make Lady Eros' Cream to sell to the rich, the Feathertons decide to sponsor Genevieve as a lady. As Genevieve and Callum meet and fall in love, she realizes that once he learns the truth about her background he will end their relationship because honesty means everything to him.

The return of the matchmaking Featherton sisters, Viola and Letitia, make for a fine time as this duet, encouraged by Meredith, enjoy turning the members of the Ton upside down. The storyline entertains the audience as the siblings once again employ the RULES OF ENGAGEMENT to sponsor their maid who commits many a faux pas as a diversion while hoping for the impossible: a happy ending. Fans will enjoy the wacky duo and the fabulous support cast though the final reconciliation seems too simple for someone who, like Diogenes, seeks integrity above all else, even love.

Harriet Klausner