The Lost Duke of Wyndham, Julia Quinn [Avon Books, Harper-Collins, 2008]

When I read the back cover of Julia Quinn’s newest book, The Lost Duke of Wyndham, and saw that the hero was a highwayman, I immediately thought of the classic epic poem called, ‘The Highwayman’ by Alfred Noyes.  That poem is in the majority of 7th or 8th grade literature books  [it is filled with figurative language–a teacher’s delight].  The Highwayman has always been a favorite of mine because it’s so much fun to teach and discuss with students who are just discovering poetry.

A highwayman has a special appeal to me and so I bought this book and delved right in.   It didn’t disappoint.  Jack Cavendish-Audley is a charming, Robin Hood character.  He’s a highwayman and smooth as silk.  And just like in Alfred Noyes’s poem, his heart is true and he loves but one woman.

Stats:

Highwayman.  Rogue.  Swashbuckler.  He’s tall, dark, and handsome, rides a stallion name Lucy, and is trying desperately to hide elements of his past that he’d rather remain secret.  He has a deep appreciation for art and can read volumes into the paintings he admires.  He’s not so much into books, or reading of any kind, but a man of remarkable intelligence and impeccable manners, even when he’s robbing you blind.  JQ tends to give her heroes small disabilities that they are able to overcome–it makes the men real and vulnerable and Jack Audley is no exception.

The Look:

With his mask on, there’s not much to look at except his mouth.  “…his lips were so full of movement, so perfectly formed and expressive, that she almost felt she could see him.  It was odd.  And mesmerizing.  And more than a little unsettling.”

Jack has a smooth voice, like fine brandy, and eyes that are heavily-lidded and seductive.  His crooked smile is devilishly charming.  It hints at the secret things he’d like to do to a woman.  His clothes are well-worn [the dowager Duchess of Wyndham, aka Jack’s dear old Grandmama, would call them tattered and unacceptable].  He cleans up well, however, once he’s at Belgrave Hall.

Leading Lady:

Grace Eversleigh, companion to the dowager.  She’s an intelligent, impoverished innocent who is inexplicable smitten by the highwayman.  She reacts to his smile, then to his intelligence and appreciation of art, and finally to his visual caresses.  She’s an honorable woman who balances the [conceivably] in-honorable Jack [highwayman and all that].

The Final Analysis:

Find the Lost Duke of Wyndham!  It’s a fast read, a 3 course meal that is full of satisfying delights, and is as humorous as all of JQ’s other reads.  Jack Cavendish-Audley’s Robin Hood sensibility stems from his core and makes his plundering excusable, and even, one might say, acceptable and worth cheering.  He’s had his share of women [masterfully ensuring that no babies are sired by him], but he has saved his heart for Grace, and only Grace.

Question of the Day:

What is it about the Swashbuckler that is appealing?  Could you overcome the conceivably in-honorable traits of a highwayman?