The Reluctant Duchess

Ladies of the Manor, 2

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough–not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when Rowena’s father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.

The Ladies of the Manor Series

Discussion Questions

 

  1. At the opening of the book, we realize that Rowena had suffered both abuse from her father and a terrible attack by the man she thought she’d marry. In her position, do you think you would have fought or accepted the life dealt you?
  2. Brice took the Fire Eyes to help his friends, only to soon find himself the duke, with all the responsibilities that entailed. Have you ever had your best-laid plans go awry because of tragedy or a sudden change in your life? How do you feel Brice is handling it?
  3. Lilias sets out a plan to deceive and trick, for what she deems the good of the girl she loves. Would you have done the same in her shoes? Something different?
  4. Who is your favorite character? Why? Your least favorite?
  5. One of the themes of the book deals with empty plates—empty places. Did the insight of George Muller, shared by Mr. Abbott, strike you? How difficult is it to view lack in your life as an opportunity for God to provide?
  6. Another underlying theme is the line between superstition and things of faith. Where do you think this line lies? Do you give any credence to the legends of things like ghosts, fairies, etc? What about the stories told in the Bible that have similar themes?
  7. Do you think Rowena was foolish for trying to befriend Catherine Pratt?
  8. Brice regularly receives guidance from the Lord, but mishears sometimes too. How does God speak to you? Is it easy to misinterpret Him?
  9. What did you think of the love story between Brice and Rowena? Did it ever frustrate you, or did you understand the things between them? What do you think about the realizations they have about love being a decision?
  10. What were you thoughts on Douglas Kinnaird by the end of the book, and of the relationship between him and Rowena?
  11. What do you think will become of the Fire Eyes next?