Description:
To protect her reputation, Miss Arabella Barrington must take on the persona of Viscount Bolton’s sister in order to travel alone with him to find her fugitive brother Nathaniel. The role proves troublesome when sparks fly that are far from sisterly adoration. She is well aware the most handsome and arrogant Lord Thomas Bolton is above her reach, but she cannot deny she is reluctantly falling in love with him.
Viscount Bolton is not amused to admit the strong-willed, stubborn, and independent sister of his brother’s wife stirs more than his temper. However, he has too much honor to act on what could only be a dalliance with someone as common as she. His family expects his future wife to be equal in consequence, while he wants only a marriage of convenience. Unfortunately, fate has other plans. Villainy abounds and Thomas seems to be the only man to keep Arabella safe. Is it gentlemanly honor that compels him to protect her or can a reluctant attraction become something more?
Thomas pushed her trembling body back into the carriage. Alarmed by her discomfiture, he sat next to her and drew her into his arms. He soothed, “Calm yourself, the man is a friend and is doing us a great service. Take a moment to settle yourself and I will explain what is to happen.”
Arabella raised her pale face from his chest and looked at him. His expression was so fraught with concern her lips dropped in wonder which drew his attention to them. She froze and then almost gasped when his lips came down to meet hers. She did not know what to expect from a man who angered her more times than not, but soft warm lips were not it, nor were the sensations stirring within her.
Her eyelids immediately closed and she quickly returned the kisses making her feel all warm and dizzy. She loved the euphoric feeling and right when things began to get interesting, she found herself thrust away from him. The wonderful sensations kept her eyes heavy-lidded and dreamy well after the kiss ended, so it took her a few moments to fully open them to register Thomas’ stern expression. She almost laughed, knowing he was castigating himself for kissing her and for putting her reputation at risk.
His amorous kiss was better than any elixir she could take for curing her fright. She no longer trembled with fear; and if not for his anxious fashion of inspecting the courtyard to see if anyone witnessed their peccadillo, she would think her inexperience was what caused him to break away from her. He came to his senses far quicker than she and now his agitation and frown told her, what he was about to do.
She quickly counseled before he could speak, “Do not look aghast, Bolton. I know you meant no insult and I will hold you to no apology. If anything, I want to thank you for making my first kiss quite enjoyable.”
His head whipped around from looking through the coach’s window to ask her, “First kiss?”
“Of course, did you think I was experienced?” Arabella clapped her hands in excitement. “Oh, thank you, Bolton. I did not know if I did it properly. Perhaps, if I had any practice I would not have been caught unawares. I think I might try it again.”
“Not with me,” exclaimed a startled Thomas.
“Of course not,” retorted Arabella, hurt their kiss did not affect him in the least. She confessed, “I did not think to wed, Bolton, but you reminded me the benefits of marriage. Of course, I would not want to bind myself to a man I could not tolerate intimately, but I suppose a kiss is a good indication of whether we would suit. I could simply use it as a test with any man I might consider marrying.”
Thomas dropped his jaw in surprise and then chastised, “You will do no such thing. I will not allow it. Might I remind you how precious is a lady’s virtue and acting like a strumpet is no way to ensure keeping it.”
Arabella crimsoned and chastised, “For shame, Bolton. I thought us friends. I would never speak such with any other man and instead of being my confident, you became my accuser. Move aside, I have no wish to keep company with you.”
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Reluctantly in Love with a Viscount Discussion Questions
England’s upper echelons of society placed great importance in protocol. The display of proper etiquette (the adherence to a code of conduct) was used to judge gentlemen and ladies of the peerage. Everything from the depth of a curtsey to the manner of an introduction to an indiscreet rendezvous was noted and could either elevate or mar a gentleman’s or lady’s reputation. After all, honor and virtue were the rewards for those who behaved as Society dictated.
Discuss some of the protocols prominent in the story, the purpose behind them and whether similar rules are used today. For example, a single lady was not allowed to travel alone in a closed carriage with a gentleman, neither were they allowed to speak to a gentleman unless someone she knew introduced him.
What social rites/manners in the story (such as calling cards, house calls) are still applicable today?
Cite some of your favorite scenes and discuss why? Consider a scene where Thomas’ jealousy is provoked, or an interaction between Arabella and Thomas that made you laugh, or a scene that touched your emotions, or consider a thought or remark made by Thomas in his arrogance.
Discuss how the Barrington scandal prejudiced the ton against Arabella and her family. Provide examples from the story highlighting the bias and what Arabella did to reconcile herself to it. In today’s society, how prevalent are gossipmongers: a person who starts and spreads gossip, and how much influence do they hold. Consider tabloid news, political propaganda and podcasts.
On page 188, Arabella confesses to Thomas how the premise of The Distressed Mother’s play resonated with her. The notion of a mother faced with marrying her husband’s murderer to save her son’s life made Arabella fear she might be forced to do something abhorrent to save her brother’s life. Do you think her fear was rational for the era? What other threats did she face and do you think she acted realistically? Can you think of any other tragedies/ adages that might also apply to the story?
What other character, aside from Thomas and Arabella, was a favorite and why?