Almost Innocent
Grade : C

When Magdalen of Lancaster is born, she is brought into a world of turmoil, tragedy and political intrigue. The illegitimate daughter of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, and Isolde De Beauregard, Magdalen seems destined to live her life as a pawn for either England or France. Raised in a remote location, Magdalen knows nothing of her birth until Guy de Gervais comes to fetch her. It's been determined that Magdalen is of an age to be married and the Duke of Lancaster has decided that she will marry Guy's ward, Edmund De Bresse. Magdalen takes to Guy right away but he is several years older and married. Still, for the short time she is in his home, she is very happy. Magdalen also realizes that though she is marrying Edmund, her heart belongs and will always belong to Guy de Gervais.

Guy's wife, who had been ill, dies suddenly and after a time, Magdalen pours her heart out to him. Guy, believing it's just a child's grief, feels she will get over it. Magdalen does marry Edmund and no, she does not get over Guy. She grows into a beautiful beguiling young woman and while she holds affection for her husband, she still loves Guy. Still, she is seemingly content with her life. But, there are those who would like to see Edmund's lands revert back to French ownership. Magdalen's maternal family is at the top of the list.

Then tragedy strikes with the attack and seeming death of Edmund. There is also a kidnapping attempt on Magdalen, which Guy thwarts. It's decided that since Magdalen is now with child it would be best for her to go to Edmund's lands in France to hold them for the heir. Guy, who is growing increasingly attracted to Magdalen, is charged to go with her. On the way there, Magdalen loses the baby and begins an affair with Guy. Magdalen does not believe Edmund dead but conducts the affair regardless, which I found problematical. While everyone else believes Edmund dead and the reader is unsure at this point, Magdalen knows her husband is still alive and still breaks her marriage vows. Her single-minded determination to have Guy made me uncomfortable, and any reader who shies away from adultery in a romance is likely to have a similar reaction.

Magdalen's behavior in general is often petulant and she becomes almost whiny when she doesn't get her way. This is supposed to be part of her charm but I was left with the desire to shout "Grow up!" at her quite a bit of the time. She wants her way no matter the cost and often does not realize the rashness of her actions until too late. Whenever Guy upbraids her for something, she pouts or turns sullen, like a child. While she is young, she is married with many responsibilities, so her attitude seems inappropriate.

While Magdalen and Guy are in France, Magdalen gives birth to Guy's baby and since only a few know of her miscarriage, they agree to pass the baby off as Edmund's heir. Soon, trouble rears it's ugly head again in the form of Charles D'Auriac, Magdalen's maternal cousin. He plans to make Magdalen his lover and force her to swear her allegiance to her French family and work as a spy for them. In the past, Magdalen's mother served in a similar role.

There was a lot that happened in Almost Innocent and sometimes it just felt like too much. Several plot points seemed overly manipulative or contrived. Guy had a wife, the wife was terminally ill. Magdalen was married, Edmund was killed - or was he? And if he wasn't, how would he react to Guy and Magdalen? Would he find out? And who would tell him? How would it all turn out? How it all turns out turns out to be fairly predictable.

As for Guy, he is likable and a worthy hero. The only real flaw he had was his tendency to chastise Magdalen like he was talking to a child. And that didn't change after they were romantically involved. Magdalen was not annoyed by this so much as cowed by it, which didn't seem very romantic. I never felt that Guy and Magdalen related to each other as adults and far too often Guy seemed far too old for the immature Magdelen. The combination just didn't work.

The villains here are quite nefarious and I was left with a nasty taste in my mouth after reading about them, which is how it should be with a well-drawn villain. Even though the story felt predictable, it moved along at a rather snappy pace and as a reader, I wasn't bored. There is a good amount of plot here along with a lot of history, but the history doesn't weigh the plot down at all. Still, the best part of a romance to me is the hero and heroine, and I could not warm to Magdalen at all. But avid fans of Jane Feather's work may be more likely to enjoy this reissue.

Reviewed by Lori-Anne Cohen
Grade : C

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : June 24, 2001

Publication Date: 2001

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Lori-Anne Cohen

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