You are lucky if you have this in paperback as it’s
difficult to find. Set in 1847, beginning in Rhode Island and New York but then
going to Italy, Switzerland and Hungary, this is the story of Eliza Hilliard,
the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Eliza is a talented artist who sees much,
partly because she was left lame from a riding accident as a child and
understands pain. When Princess Elizabeth (Bette) Von Schmerling comes to
America seeking a wife for her nephew, Prince Miklos Sztarai of Hungary,
Eliza’s mother leaps at the offer made to her daughter.
By proxy, Eliza is to marry a man she has never met, one she
envisions as fat and blustering. She is willing to do it because the terms of
the contract provide she can get out of the marriage if she wishes when she
meets the prince and will get a large settlement—and the marriage can’t be
consummated without mutual assent. Happy with her books and her art, Eliza
jumps at the chance to be free from her controlling mother.
In Northern Italy, Eliza finally meets her new husband where
he is staying at Lake Como. A handsome, golden-haired prince, he is also a
former colonel in the Hungarian army and orders her about while holding her at
arm’s distance.
Monson brings great humor and witticisms to the fore with
Eliza’s musings about her husband. Eliza is only 16 but canny and wise. The
dialog is witty, often brilliant. Neither Eliza nor Miklos wants the marriage. He
is skeptical about Eliza’s reasons for entering the marriage and until he
figures it out, he will not let her go, but he will not consummate the marriage
either. Eliza is happy about that since she wants out.
Monson’s presentation of the budding respect and affection
of these two prickly people is brilliant. I just loved it. And the secondary
characters and historical figures are so well done, providing a rich tapestry
of historical detail. I relish a romance where the author takes the time (and
the pages) to slowly develop a believable relationship. The secondary
characters are well-drawn, including Miklos’ mistress, a great beauty who
wonders at the appeal of the skinny American girl.
As they travel through Europe, Eliza discovers Miklos’
secrets and finally has to admit she loves him. A great read and highly
recommended. Oh, and the bodice-ripping aspects are mild (and they are married).
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