Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Lady of Quality Part II

Annis is a less interesting character than Abby Wendover. She is a beauty but rather dull. THe novel does not have much of a plot; Lucy and Ninian are not that interesting as characters either. Lucy is rather spoilt and Ninian is weak. Oliver does not seem to like Annis. He thinks that she is interfering in matters that don't concern her. She tells him that Lucy needs someone to take her into society before she officially comes out, and give her a little experience of parties and socialising. She enjoys taking her young friend out, but Maria, her chaperone does not like Lucy and is jealous of her. Oliver is clearly attracted to Annis but disapproving. He and Annis argue, and he is annoyed when she sees other admirers, including the prim and dull Lord Beckenham. He also blames her when Lucy begins a flirtation with Harry Beckenham. Harry is Lord Beckenham's younger brother, who is a lively young man. It is obvious that Oliver and Annis will end up together, and there is no real barrier to their marriage other than their disagreeing with each other at times, so the book is rather dull. Annis becomes ill with flu, and when she is recovering, Oliver comes to visit her and proposes.. and she accepts him. Her sister in law, Lady Wychwood, tells her husband that she thinks that he will make a good husband and that they can take in Maria. She has her faults but she is good with children and can be useful as a nursery governess. Geoffrey says he doesn't believe in reformed rakes, but he accepts the marriage. Oliver suggests that Lucy could live with the mother of her 2 girlfriends, Mrs Stinchcombe, who has girls who are due to come out......So all ends happily.

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