3.5 ⭐️
I thought the book was fine, but nothing particularly special. I found Nash a bit irritating at times, especially with the way he kept nagging Arabella about behaving “properly” and how he seemed mostly focused on sex. I didn’t really get the sense that they had much of a connection beyond their physical attraction. Overall, the book was a bit of a disappointment for me.
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Summary;
(Spoilers)
Lady Arabella is content with her life. She has a few close friends, is generally well-liked in the ton, and is known, though sometimes gossiped about, for her unusual habit of rescuing sick or stray animals, caring for them until she finds them new homes. Her father, an earl, passed away some time ago, leaving her and her mother with little money. While the new earl is willing to ensure their future, Arabella’s mother refuses to have anything to do with him and is determined that Arabella marry a wealthy man. Arabella has already rejected three proposals and fears she will soon have to refuse another, this time from an older earl her mother is pushing toward her.
Nash, the Earl of Clarendon, is ready to marry. Having done everything expected of a young lord, he has chosen Lady Grace as the perfect candidate for his wife. He plans to propose to her, but his intentions are derailed when he is found in a compromising situation with Lady Arabella. To protect her reputation, he announces that they will marry. Nash has no desire for this match, especially after their awkward morning encounter when Arabella’s cat attacked him and then got stuck in a tree, forcing Nash to rescue it at her insistence. He finds her irritating, and she makes it clear that she finds him arrogant and has no wish to marry him either.
Arabella intends to break the engagement, but during a carriage ride with Nash, they encounter Lady Grace and her mother, who are shockingly rude to Arabella. Nash comes to her defense, insisting that everyone treat her with respect as his future countess. Though this was never his plan, seeing Grace’s spoiled behavior makes him realize he might be better off with Arabella. Still, his main reasoning for marrying her is practical, without a quick wedding, her reputation will be ruined by ongoing gossip.
Nash decides they will marry within three days, explaining that it is the best way to protect her name. Arabella agrees, though her small dowry is a concern for Nash, as Lady Grace had promised a much larger one.
After the wedding, tensions arise immediately when Arabella wants to bring all her animals with her, something Nash refuses, partly due to his allergies. Despite his frustration, Nash secretly anticipates their wedding night, but Arabella falls ill before they can consummate the marriage. Deeply worried, Nash stays by her side, making sure she is comfortable and cared for until she recovers. Once she is well, they finally come together, and Nash is not only surprised by her passion and curiosity but is also unexpectedly gentle and attentive during and after, showing a side of himself that is warm, protective, and deeply caring.
Life in the country brings them closer. Nash becomes suspicious about his finances, suspecting his secretary of embezzlement, and visiting his tenants only deepens that concern. They enjoy their time together, but eventually return to London for Nash’s parliamentary duties and for Arabella to be near her animals. Nash continues to remind her to behave properly to avoid scandal, which begins to wear on her patience. Weeks pass like this, mostly good, but punctuated by tension, until Arabella starts feeling tired and nauseous. At a ball, she faints and realizes she is pregnant.
Nash asks her to host a dinner party, which she manages beautifully despite feeling unwell. He is impressed with her skill and believes the evening will be a success, until Arabella learns that one of her dogs has been injured in an accident. She insists on going to see it, but Nash forbids her. She defies him, leaving him humiliated in front of his guests. That night, they argue fiercely. Nash wants a proper countess who behaves according to society’s rules, not someone who chases after animals. Convinced their marriage cannot work, he sends her to his country estate. Arabella tells him she is pregnant, but it does not change his mind. She had already planned to go, hoping he would join her, but now she realizes their marriage is over.
Nash is miserable without her, eating at his club each night to avoid being alone. He speaks with Drake, the Duke of Manchester, who is happily devoted to his botanist wife despite the gossip her unusual pursuits attract. When Nash asks if Drake is happy, the duke admits that he loves his wife. The idea of love no longer panics Nash, it begins to feel like a possibility.
Arabella, lonely without Nash, misses him terribly. Her pregnancy progresses well, and she decides to go riding to pass the time. During her ride, she realizes she does not want her marriage to end, she loves Nash and plans to reach out to him. But before she can, she falls from her horse.
Nash receives word that Arabella has been injured and that the baby is in danger. He immediately travels to the estate, a journey of ten hours, and is relieved to learn they will both be fine. He apologizes, tells her he loves her, and they agree to compromise so their future together can work, even if it means both must make sacrifices.