Queen's Folly

This interesting book, set in the English countryside in 1799/1800, is a vast departure from Weyman's general tales of swordplay and bold adventure. It took me until the end of the second chapter to be entirely caught by the story, but then it was nearly impossible to put down. Queen's Folly is a massive country estate, owned by Count Ellingham.

There's a unique upstairs/downstairs sort of feel to it, with POVs from everyone from the cook to the Countess, but mostly focused on Rachel's viewpoint as the governess. Her charge, Lady Ann, has been said to be uncontrollable; but soon, innocent and inexperienced Rachel finds that a wild student may be the least of her worries. Even if she can win a chance from the Countess, who did not hire her and is displeased to find her there, more hurdles are in her path. Heartbreak and danger lie ahead of her.

The hero of the piece is mostly to the side, but he is a sea Captain , so be prepared for a deal of saltiness in his speech. Most of the words are dashed out, leaving only a letter or two, but it's still evident what he meant to say. D— and G— and so on.

Also, there is talk of infidelity/wrong intentions, especially from the servants' POV, and some repeated innuendo, mostly on the part of the Count's crude male friends. Nothing is shown, but possibilities are alluded to.

It's a really interesting piece, well written, showing life in a country manor in the final days of the years just before the Regency era begins. And Rachel's saga, dangers and all, is very hard to put down.