A promising novel which doesn't reach its potential. Good characters, standard plot, too predictable.
Male protagonist: Captain Gideon Radcliffe, returned from military life, looking for isolation.
Female protagonist: Miss Marian Murray, governess, raised in orphanage for children of clergymen
Others: Two adorable orphaned girls from the previous owner of Knightley Park, Lady Villiers, aunt and unsuitable guardian of the two children.
Christian references throughout, "Marian's unwavering faith" on back cover, Gideon attends church with Marian and the girls.