Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack ★★★★☆
He is saddened to see his nephews and nieces in difficult situations.
From a distance he has supported his niece, Hazel Stillman. She was born with a clubfoot, resulting in her rejection by her Society family. Sent away to school from a young age, Elliott has at least been able to pay for excellent schooling. Hazel is an intelligent young woman, now teaching advanced mathematics at a girls’ school.
Elliott also supports Duncan Penhale. Not actually a nephew, but taken on by his sister. Duncan is different, (on the autistic spectrum) in a time when difference was not well tolerated. Elliott has arranged a place to live and an accountancy job which suits Duncan’s strengths.
Elliott wants all his nephews and nieces to find marital felicity and arranges dowry/ inheritance for each upon marriage to an appropriate partner he approves of.
Hazel and Duncan meet at Elliott’s house, when he announces his gift.
Hazel is furious with her uncle as she believes no-one will ever wish to marry her, except fortune hunters.
Duncan is suitably thankful (as his Dad taught him to be) but privately feels as Hazel does.
The only good thing that comes from the meeting is a correspondence between Hazel and Duncan on mathematical and intellectual matters.
When both Hazel and Duncan separately find themselves in need of money, Duncan suggests that they marry.
Elliott did not want them to have a marriage of convenience and refuses to pay up.
In a compromise, Hazel and Duncan find themselves committed to living together for a year. What unfolds is both sweet and painful.
This is an excellent book. Duncan’s autism is well portrayed. The sudden uncertainty when he thinks someone is laughing at him. His bewilderment at Hazel’s abandonment is heart-rending.
I loved Elizabeth the cat!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
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