The Gentleman's Club Book 3: He Said Now
Author: Patricia Waddell
Publisher: Zebra Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: February 2004
Genre: Romance: Historical
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0-8217-7502-2
Author Email/Website: www.patriciawaddell.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty
William Fitch Minstead had joined the army for the mere reason that as second son he could do what he wanted and was expected to provide for himself. War at the time had seemed like a romantic thing. It wasn't until he and the others were in battle during the Crimean War that he realized war wasn't romantic at all. He had returned home to the cries of hero, but didn't believe himself worthy of the name. Not long after he returned, his older brother Christian died, leaving Fitch as the new Earl of Ackerman. As the Earl, Fitch knew he had to get on with his life and for the most part had done so. It was only when it was stormy that memories of his time in the Crimea surfaced and threatened to overwhelm him.
On one stormy night, Fitch is disturbed by a visit from a Ms. Hilary Compton. To his great surprise, Fitch learns he is a father. While he doesn't really believe Ms. Compton's tale, he nevertheless makes plans to visit his daughter at Ms. Compton's home in the countryside. After Ms. Compton leaves, Fitch finds himself thinking about her. While not a ravishing beauty, she drew him like no other woman ever had. He decides then and there he will make her a part of his life.
When Fitch meets his daughter for the first time, there is no doubt in his mind the little girl is his. Lizzie looks exactly like his mother. After spending several days with Lizzie and Hilary, he proposes. He wants to be a part of his daughter's life and marrying Hilary, her lawful guardian, and later adopting Lizzie would give him the perfect way to introduce Lizzie as his own without any scandal. He reuses to admit to himself or Hilary that he has feelings for her. After his time in the Crimea, he doesn't allow himself to feel or express emotions.
Hilary couldn't believe Fitch wanted to be a part of Lizzie's life. She had expected him to dismiss her completely and leave Lizzie in her hands. She couldn't and wouldn't deny him his rights as father, especially not after seeing how devoted he was to Lizzie. Raised by her aunt, she had more education than women her age and had her dreams. She wanted to travel and she wanted to find love. Her feelings for Fitch surprised her just as much as his proposal. Marrying him was the best thing for Lizzie and she had to admit Fitch was attracted to her. But could she really handle being married without being loved by her husband?
After much decision, Hilary agrees to marry Fitch, but gives him fair warning that she will not be a typical wife. She will not concern herself with trivial matters such as what is in fashion and social gossip. She will be a part of her husband's life and will not be dictated to. Fitch agrees to her terms and their marriage starts off well. While not completely happy that Fitch never expresses his emotions, Hilary is nonetheless content in her new life, until a package arrives from one of Fitch's fellow soldiers.
Within the package is a journal, which the author had sent to Fitch, knowing he would understand and sympathize with what he went and was still going through. However after reading the journal, Fitch becomes more withdrawn and more of a recluse. Hilary knows she must help him or she will go crazy.
Will she be able to persuade Fitch to open up and express his emotions? Or will she be stuck in a loveless marriage?
Great, dynamic characters and detailed descriptions of the time period, clothes, habits, and people bring He Said Now to life. Ms. Waddell accurately depicts the Crimean War, never making the war itself a big part of the story, only its impact on the characters. Hilary is strong, likeable heroine, sure of herself, determined to make the best choice for Lizzie, and never giving up on her husband. Fitch is damaged hero, what he experienced during the war effected him greatly and he is still suffering. The reader is drawn to him and wants to see him happy and can see the effects Lizzie and Hilary have on him, even if they cannot.
As this is the third book in Ms. Waddell's The Gentleman's Club series, we are given glimpses of the previous characters and the hero of the next book. It is easy to see and appreciate the heroes of the Gentleman's Club and how love changes them. I'm especially looking forward to The Gentleman's Club Book 4: He Said Never.
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