I keep forgetting to blog about this! Thankfully, a new CD reminded me.
The Betts I just finished, The Bachelor's Wedding was part of Harlequin's "Holding out for a Hero" series. I'm a Gen Xer, so of course for the last nine or ten days, I've been thinking of the melodramatic Bonnie Tyler song. I suspect the people in the marketing meetings were also amused by this - one couldn'tcome up with a "Holding out for a Hero" marketing campaign without being aware of the song, could one?
I'm not sure that Jason, reader of Juvenal and Horace (in the original, of course), really meets the description of a hero. He did save Araminta from her horrible family, but with a few less scruples she could've done that herself. And the rescue at the end was a bit contrived - Jason's sister called at 5 am, saying her son is missing and possibly injured in this horrible storm, but it takes him seven-odd hours (including an unnecessary stop at the London house) to get there. There wasn't anyone else who could've gone in search of the kid?
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
sinners at the hands of an angry Jason
I enjoyed The Bachelor's Wedding, and Araminta and Jason were more likeable than many other Betts heroes and heroines. That said, there's a rather disturbing bit in the otherwise pleasant chapter 9. If you'll remember, Alice comes over to tell Araminta that their father had gotten a promotion, that he'd sold the house, and that he and Alice were moving to Bournemouth.
That's all well and good, so far as it goes. It's in character for Mr. Smith to take one more chance to upbraid Araminta for marrying and leaving them in the lurch ("I find it difficult to forget your selfishness even if I can forgive", p. 168). But it's a bit of a surprise that Jason used his connections to get Mr. Smith the promotion and move to Bournemouth (kicking him upstairs, presumably), arranged for the house to be bought quickly.
And it's astonishing to read this, from the otherwise polite Jason: "He said harshly, 'Unless you wish to do so, you do not have to see your father or Alice again. They have treated you badly, used you as a housekeeper and breadwinner, and shown not one jot of gratitude. They do not deserve to have their circumstances improved but it was the only way I could think of that would set you free'" (p. 169).
Ok, whoa. Everything he said about their treatment of Araminta was true, I'll grant that. But - sending them away and suggesting that Araminta need never see them again? One wonders whether he was genuinely that indignant, or whether he took this as excuse to rid himself of Araminta's undesirable relatives.
That's all well and good, so far as it goes. It's in character for Mr. Smith to take one more chance to upbraid Araminta for marrying and leaving them in the lurch ("I find it difficult to forget your selfishness even if I can forgive", p. 168). But it's a bit of a surprise that Jason used his connections to get Mr. Smith the promotion and move to Bournemouth (kicking him upstairs, presumably), arranged for the house to be bought quickly.
And it's astonishing to read this, from the otherwise polite Jason: "He said harshly, 'Unless you wish to do so, you do not have to see your father or Alice again. They have treated you badly, used you as a housekeeper and breadwinner, and shown not one jot of gratitude. They do not deserve to have their circumstances improved but it was the only way I could think of that would set you free'" (p. 169).
Ok, whoa. Everything he said about their treatment of Araminta was true, I'll grant that. But - sending them away and suggesting that Araminta need never see them again? One wonders whether he was genuinely that indignant, or whether he took this as excuse to rid himself of Araminta's undesirable relatives.
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 9
Chapter 9! It came so quickly. Alice comes over to visit. Is it just me, or are the secondary characters in this book more shallow than usual? In this case, Araminta walks in on Alice "fingering the small silver ornaments set out on a small ebony side-table" (p. 164). Alice has come to tell Araminta that their father has gotten a promotion, so they've sold the house and are moving to Bournemouth. Alice, Mr. Smith, Jason and Araminta have dinner together.
A week or ten days pass. Jason spends more time in Araminta's company of an evening (she sews, he reads - once, he reads Juvenal "in the original of course"), and begins to think she's pretty. They go to the cottage, but the weather takes an abrupt turn for the worse, and they have to go rescue Jason's nephew, who has broken his leg out in the storm. Araminta is sensible in the face of danger.
The book ends (as The Awakened Heart did) with Araminta's decision that she is breaking the spirit of her promise to have a platonic relationship, so she goes to tell Jason that she loves him, but that now she'll have to go. But before she can tell him, he calls her "dear heart", and the book ends happily.
I'll be offline for roughly a week, so I imagine my next post will be in the New Year. I'll be reading Britannia All At Sea while I'm offline, so I expect I'll post about quite a bit of it at once. It's a fun one - it reminds me of the one (can't remember the title) where the Dutch doctor has a vague engagement with the most pedantic, tiresome woman ever: the Betts heroine's patient.
A week or ten days pass. Jason spends more time in Araminta's company of an evening (she sews, he reads - once, he reads Juvenal "in the original of course"), and begins to think she's pretty. They go to the cottage, but the weather takes an abrupt turn for the worse, and they have to go rescue Jason's nephew, who has broken his leg out in the storm. Araminta is sensible in the face of danger.
The book ends (as The Awakened Heart did) with Araminta's decision that she is breaking the spirit of her promise to have a platonic relationship, so she goes to tell Jason that she loves him, but that now she'll have to go. But before she can tell him, he calls her "dear heart", and the book ends happily.
I'll be offline for roughly a week, so I imagine my next post will be in the New Year. I'll be reading Britannia All At Sea while I'm offline, so I expect I'll post about quite a bit of it at once. It's a fun one - it reminds me of the one (can't remember the title) where the Dutch doctor has a vague engagement with the most pedantic, tiresome woman ever: the Betts heroine's patient.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Vicky: more flimsy than cardboard
What's more flimsy and two-dimensional than a cardboard character? Vicky is. Vicky appeared several chapters ago, encouraging Jason to go out for the evening. Here, she appears as Jason and Araminta are settling back in after the trip for the cottage.
It's too tedious to consider her a foil for Araminta - in fact, the only one who feels that Jason might like Vicky is Araminta. This is one occasion when Araminta's much-vaunted common sense goes out the window. She should see that if Jason didn't attach himself to Vicky after all these years, he's hardly likely to take up with her now that he's married.
But for whatever reason, we all have to endure these scenes with Vicky, clearly designed to make Araminta look good. Jason offers Araminta some sherry, and asks Vicky what she would like. She answers, "Gin and tonic, of course - unless there's champagne" (p. 158). Vicky gossips light-heartedly and mocks Araminta for adopting the cat, so of course Jason is very disapproving of Vicky. Betts makes Vicky even more shallow on the next page: "Life's too short not to get as much fun out of it as possible."
I'd probably get a kick out of coffee with Vicky.
It's too tedious to consider her a foil for Araminta - in fact, the only one who feels that Jason might like Vicky is Araminta. This is one occasion when Araminta's much-vaunted common sense goes out the window. She should see that if Jason didn't attach himself to Vicky after all these years, he's hardly likely to take up with her now that he's married.
But for whatever reason, we all have to endure these scenes with Vicky, clearly designed to make Araminta look good. Jason offers Araminta some sherry, and asks Vicky what she would like. She answers, "Gin and tonic, of course - unless there's champagne" (p. 158). Vicky gossips light-heartedly and mocks Araminta for adopting the cat, so of course Jason is very disapproving of Vicky. Betts makes Vicky even more shallow on the next page: "Life's too short not to get as much fun out of it as possible."
I'd probably get a kick out of coffee with Vicky.
Araminta's gardening clothes
Araminta was poor before this - at least, her wardrobe was nothing to write home about. So I can see where she would revel in her nice new clothes. But Betts has her dress up to go to the country, which seems strange. Here's the quote (p. 151): "...since they hoped to spend the weekend walking and pottering in the garden, Araminta wore the suede jacket and one of her new skirts with a silk shirt and cashmere sweater. She wore sensible shoes too..."
Well, I'd hope she wore sensible shoes! Because honestly, this is a really odd outfit to wear for gardening, in that sort of bathing-horses-in-champagne way. Why not wear an old skirt?
Well, I'd hope she wore sensible shoes! Because honestly, this is a really odd outfit to wear for gardening, in that sort of bathing-horses-in-champagne way. Why not wear an old skirt?
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 8
Wow, this book is going quickly!
I have to introduce a new label: adopted pet. This refers to the bedraggled pets that Betts characters adopt. These pets are always handy for establishing a character as thoughtful and caring. Betts heroines have been known to adopt pets even when they are very poor. Araminta finds this one on the doorstep of the cottage, which they visit in this chapter. In this case, the pet serves as something for Vicky to mock when she comes over, and for Jason to defend.
Araminta continues to be in love with Jason, and at the very end of the chapter, he realizes he's in love with her.
I have quite a bit more to say about this chapter - well, two long comments, which I feel would be better in separate posts.
I have to introduce a new label: adopted pet. This refers to the bedraggled pets that Betts characters adopt. These pets are always handy for establishing a character as thoughtful and caring. Betts heroines have been known to adopt pets even when they are very poor. Araminta finds this one on the doorstep of the cottage, which they visit in this chapter. In this case, the pet serves as something for Vicky to mock when she comes over, and for Jason to defend.
Araminta continues to be in love with Jason, and at the very end of the chapter, he realizes he's in love with her.
I have quite a bit more to say about this chapter - well, two long comments, which I feel would be better in separate posts.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 7
Araminta and Jason get married at the beginning of the chapter. Alice doesn't even attend; Mr. Smith does, to give Araminta away, but skedaddles off tout de suite with the comment that he has to go take Alice out to lunch.
Araminta has a wedding day (and first days after) that would be atypical for anyone but a Betts heroine: Jason works quite a bit, and she is left to learn about the house on her own. She gets some tapestry to do, and Jason takes her to Harrods for a shopping spree. Essentially, she needs a whole new wardrobe; not even her wedding suit is quite good enough.
At the very end of the chapter, Araminta realizes she is in love with Jason, and probably has been for a while. She's sensible about it, though, and decides to have a good try at winning his love (with the help of a good clothes, careful makeup and well-dressed hair, natch).
Araminta has a wedding day (and first days after) that would be atypical for anyone but a Betts heroine: Jason works quite a bit, and she is left to learn about the house on her own. She gets some tapestry to do, and Jason takes her to Harrods for a shopping spree. Essentially, she needs a whole new wardrobe; not even her wedding suit is quite good enough.
At the very end of the chapter, Araminta realizes she is in love with Jason, and probably has been for a while. She's sensible about it, though, and decides to have a good try at winning his love (with the help of a good clothes, careful makeup and well-dressed hair, natch).
Friday, December 21, 2007
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 6
Of course, Araminta makes up her mind to marry Jason. He comes over to help her break the news to Mr. Smith and Alice, who are rather rude about it. Indeed, once they get Araminta alone, Alice is indignant that Araminta is leaving them in the lurch, and Mr. Smith doubts Araminta's future happiness, predicting that "he'll probably be ashamed of you among all his lofty friends" (p. 110).
After agreeing to marry Jason, Araminta realizes that she doesn't know much about him. Really! Here's what she says: "I'll marry you whenever you want me to, but I don't know anything about you - only that you are a surgeon and live here." (p. 106. My SO commented that she has a pretty bad home life, so of course she wants to escape - anything is better than the alternative. Good point). Anyway, Jason laughes and replies (as so many Betts heroes do): "Supposing we get married first and take our time to get to know each other later?"
See, here's where the wheels fall off the "Araminta is sensible" theory, because - really! I know arranged marriages work well in quite a few cultures, and marrying for love isn't all it's cracked up to be, but in this case they would both be equally well-served with a bit more assertiveness. Then Araminta could leave home and be trained for a career, and Jason could say no to all those women who call up to ask him out. To her credit, she does reflect that "she must be out of her mind" (p. 107).
Jason sends Mr. Smith money to pass on to Araminta so she can buy a wedding outfit. Predictably, Mr. Smith takes half of it for Alice. Araminta still manages to buy a burgundy and dark green suit, with a hat to match.
Jason mentions his second house, a cottage in Essex with a large garden.
After agreeing to marry Jason, Araminta realizes that she doesn't know much about him. Really! Here's what she says: "I'll marry you whenever you want me to, but I don't know anything about you - only that you are a surgeon and live here." (p. 106. My SO commented that she has a pretty bad home life, so of course she wants to escape - anything is better than the alternative. Good point). Anyway, Jason laughes and replies (as so many Betts heroes do): "Supposing we get married first and take our time to get to know each other later?"
See, here's where the wheels fall off the "Araminta is sensible" theory, because - really! I know arranged marriages work well in quite a few cultures, and marrying for love isn't all it's cracked up to be, but in this case they would both be equally well-served with a bit more assertiveness. Then Araminta could leave home and be trained for a career, and Jason could say no to all those women who call up to ask him out. To her credit, she does reflect that "she must be out of her mind" (p. 107).
Jason sends Mr. Smith money to pass on to Araminta so she can buy a wedding outfit. Predictably, Mr. Smith takes half of it for Alice. Araminta still manages to buy a burgundy and dark green suit, with a hat to match.
Jason mentions his second house, a cottage in Essex with a large garden.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 5
OK, I put off writing about this chapter for about an hour, because I have no idea how to describe it. It was crazy.
First of all, I should say that I like Araminta here. She's reasonably assertive but not a jerk, she doesn't lose her head, and she keeps her mouth shut under provocation. While I suspect that she is secretly in love with Jason, she's not being foolish about it. Sadly, it's safe to predict that Araminta will become much more emotional and foolish before the book is over.
Araminta's new job is a bad one: she's taking care of a fairly helpless woman for three hours every morning. Not totally helpless, given that she manages to eat a box of chocolates, but pretty incapable of doing anything for herself. Araminta's employer is over-the-top Victorian, refusing to let Araminta leave on time, and grumbling when Araminta wants to take her day off.
Mr Smith has gone around the bend as well. He and Alice continue to be extravagant, and he won't even hear of Alice getting a job. Happily, Araminta realizes how foolish her father is. After he looks mournful about "the sorrow your selfishness causes me", Araminta sails past it: "Father, you sound like someone in a Victorian novel. Have some more pudding?" (p. 88)
But the craziest, most Victorian, most Betts-at-her-wackiest character is Jason. Araminta comes out of work on Saturday to find Jason waiting in the Rolls for her. He'd rung up the agency to find out where she was, and why this didn't ring alarm bells for the agency's or in Araminta's head, I don't know.
Jason takes Araminta out to lunch, orders for her (even though they're not eating anywhere formal at all), and then responds to Araminta's description of her job with: "Of course you cannot go back to that dreadful woman. I'll see the agency and arrange for you to leave as from today." (p. 96). An aghast Araminta protests this, on the grounds that she needs the money, but he keeps on going.
He asks her not to interrupt, and then tells her that he has decided to marry. He wants someone to come home to at the end of the day; he's not in love, he makes clear, but he'll settle for second-best. Sensible Araminta asks why he is telling her this, and he responds: "I considered it right to explain my feelings before I ask you to marry me, Araminta" (p. 97). She protests that he doesn't know anything about her (which is essentially true - and though Araminta doesn't know it, it has only been a week since he considered marrying anyone at all, let alone her).
He goes on to insist (Jason's word, not mine) that regardless of whether she decides to marry him, Araminta must give up her dreadful that day. That hour! And so he does, and now Araminta is unemployed. She says goodbye to him thus: "Thank you for my lovely lunch, and thank you for proposing to me. Shall I write and let you know?" (p. 99). And then she asks the vicar for advice - much more sound than the Betts heroine (can't remember who) who asks the Betts hero for advice about what to do about the Betts hero.
In case it's not clear, I like Araminta - she's so sensible in the face of melodrama! Sadly, I expect she'll say yes to the proposal in the next chapter, and become a typical Betts lovefool in the chapters to follow. So: a moment of silence for the sensible Araminta!
First of all, I should say that I like Araminta here. She's reasonably assertive but not a jerk, she doesn't lose her head, and she keeps her mouth shut under provocation. While I suspect that she is secretly in love with Jason, she's not being foolish about it. Sadly, it's safe to predict that Araminta will become much more emotional and foolish before the book is over.
Araminta's new job is a bad one: she's taking care of a fairly helpless woman for three hours every morning. Not totally helpless, given that she manages to eat a box of chocolates, but pretty incapable of doing anything for herself. Araminta's employer is over-the-top Victorian, refusing to let Araminta leave on time, and grumbling when Araminta wants to take her day off.
Mr Smith has gone around the bend as well. He and Alice continue to be extravagant, and he won't even hear of Alice getting a job. Happily, Araminta realizes how foolish her father is. After he looks mournful about "the sorrow your selfishness causes me", Araminta sails past it: "Father, you sound like someone in a Victorian novel. Have some more pudding?" (p. 88)
But the craziest, most Victorian, most Betts-at-her-wackiest character is Jason. Araminta comes out of work on Saturday to find Jason waiting in the Rolls for her. He'd rung up the agency to find out where she was, and why this didn't ring alarm bells for the agency's or in Araminta's head, I don't know.
Jason takes Araminta out to lunch, orders for her (even though they're not eating anywhere formal at all), and then responds to Araminta's description of her job with: "Of course you cannot go back to that dreadful woman. I'll see the agency and arrange for you to leave as from today." (p. 96). An aghast Araminta protests this, on the grounds that she needs the money, but he keeps on going.
He asks her not to interrupt, and then tells her that he has decided to marry. He wants someone to come home to at the end of the day; he's not in love, he makes clear, but he'll settle for second-best. Sensible Araminta asks why he is telling her this, and he responds: "I considered it right to explain my feelings before I ask you to marry me, Araminta" (p. 97). She protests that he doesn't know anything about her (which is essentially true - and though Araminta doesn't know it, it has only been a week since he considered marrying anyone at all, let alone her).
He goes on to insist (Jason's word, not mine) that regardless of whether she decides to marry him, Araminta must give up her dreadful that day. That hour! And so he does, and now Araminta is unemployed. She says goodbye to him thus: "Thank you for my lovely lunch, and thank you for proposing to me. Shall I write and let you know?" (p. 99). And then she asks the vicar for advice - much more sound than the Betts heroine (can't remember who) who asks the Betts hero for advice about what to do about the Betts hero.
In case it's not clear, I like Araminta - she's so sensible in the face of melodrama! Sadly, I expect she'll say yes to the proposal in the next chapter, and become a typical Betts lovefool in the chapters to follow. So: a moment of silence for the sensible Araminta!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 4
In this chapter, Jason's sister comes back from Chile, so Araminta finishes her job with the family. Jason's sister notices Jason's tendency to refer to Araminta as "Miss Smith", and the way he reacts to her, and draws a few conclusions. Jason's nowhere near drawing those conclusions on his own, though in this chapter he starts to think about how pleasant it would be to come home to a restful woman. He's aware that Araminta is restful, but he hasn't made the connection yet.
Jason gives Araminta a ride back to her home, and she walks into a dirty home: dishes and pans unwashed, dust everywhere, laundry undone. Alice has been to the doctor since Araminta was home, and reports that she's well, but refuses to get a job (even though Araminta, the Gallant of this story, has already arranged for a new job that starts the next morning). So in an unusual show of assertiveness, Araminta does her own laundry, but refuses to do Alice's (Alice had said she would not get a job because she would do the housework, though clearly she's unwilling to do even that). To add insult to injury, Alice and Mr. Smith have racked up a bunch of bills because Alice spent the housekeeping money on a faux-leather jacket. Araminta ends the chapter reflecting that she will never escape her family; even after Alice marries, Araminta will have to stay home to make sure her irresponsible father stays solvent.
This got an other car tag, because Jason drives a Rolls! He also - and this is crazy, so brace yourself - has an actual personality trait, one that his shrill friend Vicky recognizes: he likes to read. In this chapter, he has another free hour, and reads Homer (Betts doesn't say whether it's a translation, though).
Jason gives Araminta a ride back to her home, and she walks into a dirty home: dishes and pans unwashed, dust everywhere, laundry undone. Alice has been to the doctor since Araminta was home, and reports that she's well, but refuses to get a job (even though Araminta, the Gallant of this story, has already arranged for a new job that starts the next morning). So in an unusual show of assertiveness, Araminta does her own laundry, but refuses to do Alice's (Alice had said she would not get a job because she would do the housework, though clearly she's unwilling to do even that). To add insult to injury, Alice and Mr. Smith have racked up a bunch of bills because Alice spent the housekeeping money on a faux-leather jacket. Araminta ends the chapter reflecting that she will never escape her family; even after Alice marries, Araminta will have to stay home to make sure her irresponsible father stays solvent.
This got an other car tag, because Jason drives a Rolls! He also - and this is crazy, so brace yourself - has an actual personality trait, one that his shrill friend Vicky recognizes: he likes to read. In this chapter, he has another free hour, and reads Homer (Betts doesn't say whether it's a translation, though).
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 3
Why is this book called The Bachelor's Wedding? it's never about the bachelor, not really. Well, I suppose they can't all be called Marrying a Doctor (and there is one called that, by the way. I find it refreshingly direct).
Araminta continues to work for Jason's niece and nephew. This chapter covers their first week back to school. They're still rude to Araminta, but she's coping well.
The oddest thing in the chapter (or in quite a few Bettses) is Araminta's wish to become successful and rich. She wants people to think of her as clever, and muses that "'I'd have enough money to buy lovely clothes...' She thought for a bit. 'And a different face!'" (p. 61). Ok, whoa. Did a Betts heroine just wish for plastic surgery? She doesn't wish she looks different, she says she could buy a different face. Crazy!
Jason comes to see them at the weekend. He surprises Araminta in her bathrobe, with her hair down, getting morning tea. Later, he's a bit creepy: "'You have very nice legs, Miss Smith.' His eyes were on her face....He was staring at her like a hawk." (p. 62).
Araminta continues to work for Jason's niece and nephew. This chapter covers their first week back to school. They're still rude to Araminta, but she's coping well.
The oddest thing in the chapter (or in quite a few Bettses) is Araminta's wish to become successful and rich. She wants people to think of her as clever, and muses that "'I'd have enough money to buy lovely clothes...' She thought for a bit. 'And a different face!'" (p. 61). Ok, whoa. Did a Betts heroine just wish for plastic surgery? She doesn't wish she looks different, she says she could buy a different face. Crazy!
Jason comes to see them at the weekend. He surprises Araminta in her bathrobe, with her hair down, getting morning tea. Later, he's a bit creepy: "'You have very nice legs, Miss Smith.' His eyes were on her face....He was staring at her like a hawk." (p. 62).
Monday, December 17, 2007
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 2
Araminta had planned to look after Jason's niece and nephew for a week, but at the end of the week he discovers that their mother needs to stay in Chile for a while longer, and that their usual caregiver is still looking after a sick parent. So Araminta is asked to stay on for another week or two. Because half-term is over, Jason will be taking the children and Araminta back to his sister's house. She will act as housekeeper while they go to their day schools.
But before they go, Araminta goes home to pick up some more clothes. I don't know how that's possible; in chapter 1, when she's packing, she reflects that she's packing "almost all she had" (p. 11). Hmmm. She also packs a volume of Thackeray's work and Vanity Fair - the novel, not the magazine, of course. Her hand pauses over Jane Eyre, but she doesn't have room in her bag for it. Or does Betts have her reject it because it would have been too meta?
Jason tells Araminta that Alice (who had set herself out to charm Jason, natch) is in good health - surely unprofessional of him, if totally in character for a Betts hero. Araminta is proving herself to be an admirable, if slightly dull heroine. She manages to get these bratty children to behave, if not act with any friendliness. She's sensible, and and organized, and a good cook.
But before they go, Araminta goes home to pick up some more clothes. I don't know how that's possible; in chapter 1, when she's packing, she reflects that she's packing "almost all she had" (p. 11). Hmmm. She also packs a volume of Thackeray's work and Vanity Fair - the novel, not the magazine, of course. Her hand pauses over Jane Eyre, but she doesn't have room in her bag for it. Or does Betts have her reject it because it would have been too meta?
Jason tells Araminta that Alice (who had set herself out to charm Jason, natch) is in good health - surely unprofessional of him, if totally in character for a Betts hero. Araminta is proving herself to be an admirable, if slightly dull heroine. She manages to get these bratty children to behave, if not act with any friendliness. She's sensible, and and organized, and a good cook.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Bachelor's Wedding, chapter 1
Oooh boy, a new Betts! This one features an English doctor, for a change. Better still, it features my favorite plot - the ungrateful family plot. In this case, poor Araminta works through an agency, earning bits of money to help support her extravagant father and her anemic sister Alice. Alice lounges around all day, because she's anemic. Araminta needs a new pair of shoes, while Alice gets a new dressing gown as a treat. Over-the-top, I know! But that's the fun of this plot.
Anyway, Araminta winds up getting a last-minute job through her agency: taking care of a ten-year-old and a thirteen-year-old, the nephew and niece of Jason Lister, a doctor. She fetches them from their home, because their mother has to go to Chile to see their sick father, and takes them to Jason's house. She'll take care of them during their half-term holiday, though so far they are spoiled brats.
Araminta isn't much to look at, but Jason is, of course. Betts heroes always are. I'd forgotten that Bachelor's Wedding is the book (one of several, I think), where the hero has a rare moment of leisure. Typically, he chooses to spend it "with the poems of Horace - in the original Latin, of course." (p. 9)
We don't get a very detailed description of Jason's house; it's quite large, though, with at least four good-sized bedrooms. He also has a cook, whose husband works for the doctor as well.
Anyway, Araminta winds up getting a last-minute job through her agency: taking care of a ten-year-old and a thirteen-year-old, the nephew and niece of Jason Lister, a doctor. She fetches them from their home, because their mother has to go to Chile to see their sick father, and takes them to Jason's house. She'll take care of them during their half-term holiday, though so far they are spoiled brats.
Araminta isn't much to look at, but Jason is, of course. Betts heroes always are. I'd forgotten that Bachelor's Wedding is the book (one of several, I think), where the hero has a rare moment of leisure. Typically, he chooses to spend it "with the poems of Horace - in the original Latin, of course." (p. 9)
We don't get a very detailed description of Jason's house; it's quite large, though, with at least four good-sized bedrooms. He also has a cook, whose husband works for the doctor as well.
Labels:
doctor,
Englishman,
house #1,
jolie laide,
ungrateful family
Saturday, December 15, 2007
a genuine non sequitur!
By the way, Sophie's claim that she doesn't like heights never comes up again in the book! For once, Betts led me off the trail; I assumed Sophie would have to climb to the top of a tower before the end of the book. I suppose letting this opportunity drop is indicative of how strangely dull The Awakened Heart was.
Awakened Heart, chapter 9
There were many dull chapters in this book (5, 6 and 8, if memory serves me correctly). I'm not sure why the pacing is so off in this book. Rather a lot (relatively speaking, of course) happens in chapter 9; I'm not sure why some of this wasn't spread over the other chapters.
Sophie meets the mysterious Irena, and neither Sophie nor the reader is surprised to find out that she's the woman who was in the car with Rijk. They meet at a party, and the next day Irena comes over for lunch and to skate with Sophie and Rijk. Rijk drives Irena home, and then calls to say he will be out late.
It's a bit hasty of Sophie to assume he spent all those missing hours with Irena, but also out of line for Rijk to be furious with Sophie when she suggests that interpretation of the night's events. He has done remarkably little to earn Sophie's trust, so his fury at not having it is, well, very Rijk. Irena comes along, explains everything, and suggests that Sophie go find Rijk to apologize. There's some tiresome business about how Sophie has to leave him now, because she has said she loves him (thereby violating the terms of their platonic marriage). Turns out he has been waiting for her to break her word on this point, which - well, you can imagine what I think of that.
New book tomorrow!
Sophie meets the mysterious Irena, and neither Sophie nor the reader is surprised to find out that she's the woman who was in the car with Rijk. They meet at a party, and the next day Irena comes over for lunch and to skate with Sophie and Rijk. Rijk drives Irena home, and then calls to say he will be out late.
It's a bit hasty of Sophie to assume he spent all those missing hours with Irena, but also out of line for Rijk to be furious with Sophie when she suggests that interpretation of the night's events. He has done remarkably little to earn Sophie's trust, so his fury at not having it is, well, very Rijk. Irena comes along, explains everything, and suggests that Sophie go find Rijk to apologize. There's some tiresome business about how Sophie has to leave him now, because she has said she loves him (thereby violating the terms of their platonic marriage). Turns out he has been waiting for her to break her word on this point, which - well, you can imagine what I think of that.
New book tomorrow!
Betts heroine as accessory
In chapter 8 of Awakened Heart, although Sophie gets a cheque-book, she doesn't go on a shopping spree. Rijk admits that she dresses charmingly, but that she'll not want to wear the same clothes too often because "I can't have my friends saying that I don't give you enough pin money" (p. 158).
Not "you should dress well, because of your position as the wife of a well-known doctor", or "I'll enjoy seeing you well-turned-out", or "I'd like to make you happy, and this is one way I can do that". All of those are true, but which does he choose? The one about what his friends will think. Rijk can be a bit of a jerk, I think.
Not "you should dress well, because of your position as the wife of a well-known doctor", or "I'll enjoy seeing you well-turned-out", or "I'd like to make you happy, and this is one way I can do that". All of those are true, but which does he choose? The one about what his friends will think. Rijk can be a bit of a jerk, I think.
the difficulty of choosing dinner
In one of my last posts, I wrote:
"She [the typical Betts heroine, after marriage] probably also arranges the flowers, consults with the cook about the meals, and helps with some children's charity in the village."
During my time away from the blog, I'd forgotten about that. But that makes this bit in chapter 8 all the funnier:
Sophie "went along to the kitchen to start the difficult but interesting business of deciding what to eat for the rest of the day" (p. 160). Here's the thing: although she speaks very little Dutch at this point, one of the servants is bilingual and can translate, thereby negating the language barrier as a reason for difficulty. If Dutch isn't the problem, why on earth is it difficult to choose what to eat, given that she can afford any food she likes, and doesn't have to cook it?
"She [the typical Betts heroine, after marriage] probably also arranges the flowers, consults with the cook about the meals, and helps with some children's charity in the village."
During my time away from the blog, I'd forgotten about that. But that makes this bit in chapter 8 all the funnier:
Sophie "went along to the kitchen to start the difficult but interesting business of deciding what to eat for the rest of the day" (p. 160). Here's the thing: although she speaks very little Dutch at this point, one of the servants is bilingual and can translate, thereby negating the language barrier as a reason for difficulty. If Dutch isn't the problem, why on earth is it difficult to choose what to eat, given that she can afford any food she likes, and doesn't have to cook it?
Awakened Heart, chapter 8
I couldn't find the book for a while. Sorry. On the bright side, I've clean forgotten the first seven chapters of The Awakened Heart, which should make this blog post more fun to write.
Sophie's upset because her husband (whose long Dutch name I've forgotten) was spotted with an attractive woman in his car. Because Betts heroines are always stupid about these things, she immediately assumes the worst, and hops on a bus to go home.
Her husband (Rijk! That's his name!) picks her up at the bus stop, without mentioning the Mysterious Woman, and drops her off at home. He tells her he has a meeting, and that she shouldn't wait up. Chillingly, both he and Sophie understand that his "don't wait up" isn't a polite phrase, it's a directive (p. 153: "She went to bed early because he had made it clear that he didn't expect to see her when he got home").
The next day Rijk gives her a cheque-book that shows how large her quarterly allowance is. She's shocked, but he makes it clear that she can't be seen too often in the same dress. What happened to having a good, serviceable wardrobe?
Sophie feeds the dog chocolate! Surely that's not good for him? More to the point, "he expected it", so clearly he's in the habit of eating it. Aren't these people medical professionals?
This is a killing-time chapter. Sophie spends it puttering around the house and village, feeding the dog chocolate, and saving a small child from a freezing lake. Actually, she does no such thing - she sees that he's in there, goes in there herself, and sends the dog to Rijk for help. Good thing the chocolate hadn't made the dog too sick to move. After her recovery, she hears Rijk on the phone, talking to Irena about dinner that evening (Irena will, of course, turn out to be the woman in the car) .
The most interesting thing in the chapter is a revelation from Rauke, the manservant, that he and Rijk's father were in the underground resistance together during WWII.
Sophie's upset because her husband (whose long Dutch name I've forgotten) was spotted with an attractive woman in his car. Because Betts heroines are always stupid about these things, she immediately assumes the worst, and hops on a bus to go home.
Her husband (Rijk! That's his name!) picks her up at the bus stop, without mentioning the Mysterious Woman, and drops her off at home. He tells her he has a meeting, and that she shouldn't wait up. Chillingly, both he and Sophie understand that his "don't wait up" isn't a polite phrase, it's a directive (p. 153: "She went to bed early because he had made it clear that he didn't expect to see her when he got home").
The next day Rijk gives her a cheque-book that shows how large her quarterly allowance is. She's shocked, but he makes it clear that she can't be seen too often in the same dress. What happened to having a good, serviceable wardrobe?
Sophie feeds the dog chocolate! Surely that's not good for him? More to the point, "he expected it", so clearly he's in the habit of eating it. Aren't these people medical professionals?
This is a killing-time chapter. Sophie spends it puttering around the house and village, feeding the dog chocolate, and saving a small child from a freezing lake. Actually, she does no such thing - she sees that he's in there, goes in there herself, and sends the dog to Rijk for help. Good thing the chocolate hadn't made the dog too sick to move. After her recovery, she hears Rijk on the phone, talking to Irena about dinner that evening (Irena will, of course, turn out to be the woman in the car) .
The most interesting thing in the chapter is a revelation from Rauke, the manservant, that he and Rijk's father were in the underground resistance together during WWII.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
I've been quiet lately...
...because I can't find my copy of the book! I'm leaving for vacation in the morning, so I'll be on hiatus for the next week or so anyway, but in the rush of packing I've completely forgotten the book's whereabouts. Sorry!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Awakened Heart, chapter 7
It's rare for a Betts heroine to have a shopping spree without the Betts hero paying for it, but aided by a check from her father, Sophie manages to do this. She buys a jersey outfit, natch, a brown and gold brocade blouse, and a wide-skirted dress for the evening. Betts heroines rarely, if ever, wear a sheath.
Also, Sophie settles on a winter-white wedding dress, complete with coat and hat. This reminds me of the Dowager Duchess in Sayers's Busman's Honeymoon who rambles on about Jane Eyre, "who I always think behaved so ungraciously to that poor man - so gloomy to have your bride, however bigamous, insisting on grey alpaca or merino or whatever it was, and damping to a lover's feelings..." (Dorothy L. Sayers, Busman's Honeymoon, 5 October in the Prothalamion).
Rijk arranges for a choir and flowers at the wedding, and then flowers again when they arrive at his home in Friesland. So his feelings can't have been too dampened. It's worth noting that every Betts hero and heroine who have an arranged marriage make an agreement not "to live as man and wife", at least for a while. There's one Betts, can't remember which, where the Betts wife says that she's glad that they're married on the last page, with the fairly strong hint that she's looking forward to sleeping with him. But not Sophie and Rijk.
Rijk makes it clear that he'll be returning to work within a day or so, so there will be no honeymoon. Frighteningly, this quotation comes as an epiphany (not as a given) to her: "She suspected that he [Rijk] expected her to have her own interests when he was away..." (p. 146). Sophie takes the reins of the house, insofar as a Betts heroine ever does: she inspects the linen, does some tapestry work and knitting, and takes over some light shopping.
She probably also arranges the flowers, consults with the cook about the meals, and helps with some children's charity in the village, but we don't hear about it. All those are typical activities of the Betts wife.
At the end of the chapter, she goes to meet Rijk at work, but she sees him driving away in the other direction with - gasp! - an attractive woman. I'll be astonished if jealousy isn't one of my tags tomorrow.
Also, Sophie settles on a winter-white wedding dress, complete with coat and hat. This reminds me of the Dowager Duchess in Sayers's Busman's Honeymoon who rambles on about Jane Eyre, "who I always think behaved so ungraciously to that poor man - so gloomy to have your bride, however bigamous, insisting on grey alpaca or merino or whatever it was, and damping to a lover's feelings..." (Dorothy L. Sayers, Busman's Honeymoon, 5 October in the Prothalamion).
Rijk arranges for a choir and flowers at the wedding, and then flowers again when they arrive at his home in Friesland. So his feelings can't have been too dampened. It's worth noting that every Betts hero and heroine who have an arranged marriage make an agreement not "to live as man and wife", at least for a while. There's one Betts, can't remember which, where the Betts wife says that she's glad that they're married on the last page, with the fairly strong hint that she's looking forward to sleeping with him. But not Sophie and Rijk.
Rijk makes it clear that he'll be returning to work within a day or so, so there will be no honeymoon. Frighteningly, this quotation comes as an epiphany (not as a given) to her: "She suspected that he [Rijk] expected her to have her own interests when he was away..." (p. 146). Sophie takes the reins of the house, insofar as a Betts heroine ever does: she inspects the linen, does some tapestry work and knitting, and takes over some light shopping.
She probably also arranges the flowers, consults with the cook about the meals, and helps with some children's charity in the village, but we don't hear about it. All those are typical activities of the Betts wife.
At the end of the chapter, she goes to meet Rijk at work, but she sees him driving away in the other direction with - gasp! - an attractive woman. I'll be astonished if jealousy isn't one of my tags tomorrow.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Awakened Heart, chapter 6
This wasn't as uneventful as the last chapter, but it was close. Rijk owns a farm, so they go to see it - I'm not absolutely sure that he owns the farm house, so this isn't house #3, but it could be. They go to Groningen for no apparent reason, except that Betts might have needed padding (this book has relatively little plot, after all), and so that Sophie could say that she doesn't like heights. I'll be surprised if nothing comes of that - usually, when Betts heroines reveal a fear, they have to confront it later in the book (never for a good reason, by the way).
They travel back to England just before Christmas. Sophie spends most of the chapter on the verge of telling Rijk that she'll marry him, but it takes her days to say it.
They set a wedding date for mid-January and start preparing for the wedding. Rijk dives into a pile of work, presumably so he'll have time for Sophie later. Sophie starts thinking about wedding clothes. It's a small wedding, so of course she'll wear a winter-white or grey suit. Heaven forbid she wear a wedding dress! Very strange.
At the very end of the chapter, Sophie realizes she is is love with Rijk.
They travel back to England just before Christmas. Sophie spends most of the chapter on the verge of telling Rijk that she'll marry him, but it takes her days to say it.
They set a wedding date for mid-January and start preparing for the wedding. Rijk dives into a pile of work, presumably so he'll have time for Sophie later. Sophie starts thinking about wedding clothes. It's a small wedding, so of course she'll wear a winter-white or grey suit. Heaven forbid she wear a wedding dress! Very strange.
At the very end of the chapter, Sophie realizes she is is love with Rijk.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Awakened Heart, chapter 5
Half-way through The Awakened Heart! It doesn't seem possible.
I can't imagine a chapter of any Betts, ever, in which less happens. The chapter covers the first few days of Sophie's visit with Rijk. She meets his family and tours around the house and the village. By the end of the chapter, she's sure she'll marry him.
The best line of the chapter (as evidence of its dullness): Rijk 'fesses up that he's rich, but admits that "a good deal of my wealth is the result of no doubt ill gotten gains from my merchant ancestors" (p. 103).
I can't imagine a chapter of any Betts, ever, in which less happens. The chapter covers the first few days of Sophie's visit with Rijk. She meets his family and tours around the house and the village. By the end of the chapter, she's sure she'll marry him.
The best line of the chapter (as evidence of its dullness): Rijk 'fesses up that he's rich, but admits that "a good deal of my wealth is the result of no doubt ill gotten gains from my merchant ancestors" (p. 103).
Friday, September 14, 2007
How referential of Betts!
When Sophie announces her plan to marry Rijk to the other nurses, one of them says, "When you're married you can invite me to stay; there must be lots of people like him out there" (p. 74-75). This is funny, of course, because the Netherlands are well-stocked with men who are almost identical. It wouldn't do Sophie much good to invite her friend, though, because each of those similar men is already married to an English nurse.
Awakened Heart, chapter 4
Sophie goes home to think about whether she should marry Rijk or not. Of course, despite no compelling reasons to do so (aside from her secret love for him), she decides to marry him. So she packs up (the usual for a Betts heroine: a velvet dress with a wide skirt, a silk dress, a Jaeger suit with plenty of silk blouses, a quilted jacket for the cold weather, etc.) and goes to Holland with him for a trip.
The chapter ends as Sophie and Rijk pull up to his huge house in Friesland.
The chapter ends as Sophie and Rijk pull up to his huge house in Friesland.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Awakened Heart, chapter 3
Sophie and Rijk see each other a few more times in this chapter. They eat together, go on walks, and even see his house - yes, he has a house in London. Of course Rijk has a house in London, given that he's there for - what? probably about 40 days of the year? Clearly, one would need a house with two servants for those times.
At the end of the chapter, Rijk proposes to Sophie. I wish I were making this up:
Rijk: "May I take it that we are now good, firm friends, Sophie?"
Sophie: "Oh yes."
Rijk: "Then perhaps you know what I am going to say next. Will you marry me, Sophie?"
Sophie: "Marry you? Why? Whatever for?"
After a few minutes of chatter, during which she tells him about the man whom she loved when she was 19, and who left her for a small girl (that's where Sophie's fixation with height comes from! Good to know), they go on:
Rijk: "I think that we may be happy together, Sophie. We do not know each other very well yet, but we have so little opportunity to meet. Would you consider marrying me and getting to know me after?"
A bit more chatter, then:
Sophie: "I'm not sure, but I think this is a very funny kind of proposal."
And how!
At the end of the chapter, Rijk proposes to Sophie. I wish I were making this up:
Rijk: "May I take it that we are now good, firm friends, Sophie?"
Sophie: "Oh yes."
Rijk: "Then perhaps you know what I am going to say next. Will you marry me, Sophie?"
Sophie: "Marry you? Why? Whatever for?"
After a few minutes of chatter, during which she tells him about the man whom she loved when she was 19, and who left her for a small girl (that's where Sophie's fixation with height comes from! Good to know), they go on:
Rijk: "I think that we may be happy together, Sophie. We do not know each other very well yet, but we have so little opportunity to meet. Would you consider marrying me and getting to know me after?"
A bit more chatter, then:
Sophie: "I'm not sure, but I think this is a very funny kind of proposal."
And how!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Sophie's mom has got it goin' on
Here's a description of Sophie's mom from chapter 2 of The Awakened Heart, p. 32:
"She was a tall woman, as splendidly built as her daughter, her dark hair streaked with grey, her face still beautiful."
"She was a tall woman, as splendidly built as her daughter, her dark hair streaked with grey, her face still beautiful."
Awakened Heart, chapter 2
At some point in the chapter, Sophie's mom reflects that "She didn't want her Sophie to be hurt as she had been hurt all those years ago" (pp. 43-44). The second "she" is vague, but it's highly unlikely that in a Betts, her mother is reflecting on her past life before she married Sophie's father. So we'll assume that a man hurt Sophie at some point.
That's a relief, because little else besides a protective armor could excuse Sophie's lamentable cluelessness. The chapter details Sophie's busy work nights, interspersed with time spent in the car with Rijk. He drives her home for nights off, doesn't mind that she spends quite a bit of time sleeping, becomes instant friends with her family, etc. And she's still thick enough to think, "Just because he had taken her for a drive didn't mean that he had any interest in her" (pp. 27-28). And she's right, so far as that goes. She left out the offer to drive her home, the vaguely creepy knowledge of her address and memory for when she'll have nights off, etc. By the end of the chapter, after a kiss or two on the cheek and some familiarity with her family, she feels that he is going too fast, and she's skittish.
But not too skittish: by the end of the chapter, after several weeks' acquaintance, she finds herself thinking that "it would have been nice to find the professor waiting for her outside the door" (p. 45).
That's a relief, because little else besides a protective armor could excuse Sophie's lamentable cluelessness. The chapter details Sophie's busy work nights, interspersed with time spent in the car with Rijk. He drives her home for nights off, doesn't mind that she spends quite a bit of time sleeping, becomes instant friends with her family, etc. And she's still thick enough to think, "Just because he had taken her for a drive didn't mean that he had any interest in her" (pp. 27-28). And she's right, so far as that goes. She left out the offer to drive her home, the vaguely creepy knowledge of her address and memory for when she'll have nights off, etc. By the end of the chapter, after a kiss or two on the cheek and some familiarity with her family, she feels that he is going too fast, and she's skittish.
But not too skittish: by the end of the chapter, after several weeks' acquaintance, she finds herself thinking that "it would have been nice to find the professor waiting for her outside the door" (p. 45).
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Awakened Heart, chapter 1
This is a ridiculous set of tags to have on one post! Betts wrote by formula, natch, but this is ridiculous.
Sophie is a beautiful Night Casualty Sister at a London hospital. Dr. Rijk van Taak ter Wijsma (!) is a visiting brain surgeon. They meet because she gets the heel of her shoe wedged in a gutter. She has two plastic shopping bags in her hands, so she can't bend down to unlace the shoe, because heaven forbid she get a plastic bag on the wet ground. She just stands there in the rain, patiently waiting until the Betts hero comes to free her.
No, no, I'm not speaking metaphorically. This is what happens, really!
This is a first so far in this blog: Rijk thinks Sophie is attractive and good at her work, so he comes over to ask her out. He asks her out, as though they're ordinary people, not a controlling man and a doormat of a woman! She's not thrilled by the idea of going out with him, because he's arrogant about so doing, but still - I'm encouraged by any signs of normalcy in a Betts novel.
Oh, but then at the end of the chapter he becomes something of a stalker - coming over to ask whether she wanted a date was forgiveable (though: how did he know exactly where she lived?). But when they go out for a few hours (the aforementioned, almost normal date - or so I thought), he has found out which small town she came from. He asked a co-worker. Despite this rather creepy invasion of privacy, he's less awful than other Betts heroes I could mention.
Sophie is a beautiful Night Casualty Sister at a London hospital. Dr. Rijk van Taak ter Wijsma (!) is a visiting brain surgeon. They meet because she gets the heel of her shoe wedged in a gutter. She has two plastic shopping bags in her hands, so she can't bend down to unlace the shoe, because heaven forbid she get a plastic bag on the wet ground. She just stands there in the rain, patiently waiting until the Betts hero comes to free her.
No, no, I'm not speaking metaphorically. This is what happens, really!
This is a first so far in this blog: Rijk thinks Sophie is attractive and good at her work, so he comes over to ask her out. He asks her out, as though they're ordinary people, not a controlling man and a doormat of a woman! She's not thrilled by the idea of going out with him, because he's arrogant about so doing, but still - I'm encouraged by any signs of normalcy in a Betts novel.
Oh, but then at the end of the chapter he becomes something of a stalker - coming over to ask whether she wanted a date was forgiveable (though: how did he know exactly where she lived?). But when they go out for a few hours (the aforementioned, almost normal date - or so I thought), he has found out which small town she came from. He asked a co-worker. Despite this rather creepy invasion of privacy, he's less awful than other Betts heroes I could mention.
Labels:
beautiful,
Bentley,
doctor,
Dutchman,
medical plot
Monday, September 10, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 9
If you'll remember, chapter 8 ended with some sort of catastrophic disaster (it turns out that a gas main exploded, wrecking most of Euphemia's ward, though the rest of the hospital escapes with minor damage). Tane comes to save the day, helping Euphemia and half a dozen sick men get out the fire escapes.
The next day, Euphemia is informed that her patients will be sent to another hospital while her ward is rebuilt, and that Tane has suggested that she take over as relief Sister for a while. I'm not sure why this idea bothers Euphemia so much, unless it's because Tane is interfering to arrange her career. (If you'll remember, Euphemia is annoyed with Tane, because he bought the mortgage to her house).
The doctor on staff insists that Euphemia go to her own home to recover for a few days (Tane has given permission for her to use the house). I mean, he makes her promise, and won't let her switch her days off. Astonishingly, this doesn't make Euphemia suspicious. Tane shows up on the second day, as she is cleaning the kitchen floor and crying. I'm not sure why Betts decided to go for this Cinderella image of the heroine crying in the muck, as the hero tells her he loves her and gives her the papers for the house, but there you go.
To my amusement, this last scene takes place with Tane dressed in "a trendy waistcoat", among other items of clothing. My SO swears there is no such thing.
Tomorrow: The Awakened Heart!
The next day, Euphemia is informed that her patients will be sent to another hospital while her ward is rebuilt, and that Tane has suggested that she take over as relief Sister for a while. I'm not sure why this idea bothers Euphemia so much, unless it's because Tane is interfering to arrange her career. (If you'll remember, Euphemia is annoyed with Tane, because he bought the mortgage to her house).
The doctor on staff insists that Euphemia go to her own home to recover for a few days (Tane has given permission for her to use the house). I mean, he makes her promise, and won't let her switch her days off. Astonishingly, this doesn't make Euphemia suspicious. Tane shows up on the second day, as she is cleaning the kitchen floor and crying. I'm not sure why Betts decided to go for this Cinderella image of the heroine crying in the muck, as the hero tells her he loves her and gives her the papers for the house, but there you go.
To my amusement, this last scene takes place with Tane dressed in "a trendy waistcoat", among other items of clothing. My SO swears there is no such thing.
Tomorrow: The Awakened Heart!
a sampler motto
Here's a sampler motto for every Betts heroine to stitch:
"He was a tiresome man and she couldn't stand the sight of him, although she loved him with all her heart."
(An Apple from Eve, p. 180).
"He was a tiresome man and she couldn't stand the sight of him, although she loved him with all her heart."
(An Apple from Eve, p. 180).
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 8
Euphemia's back at work, and for a little while she doesn't see Tane. She's avoiding him - she even switches her days off so she doesn't have to see him. He realizes this, and is amused. Ellen gets engaged to her curate (who has a name, as it turns out: Tom), which puts an end to Euphemia's pipe-dream of Ellen marrying a millionaire and paying off the mortgage.
Tane comes to see Euphemia while she is staying with Ellen and their aunt, and catches Euphemia eating an apple. He egocentrically asks her: "Can it be pure chance [that she happens to be eating an apple when he arrived with no warning whatsoever], or are you tempting me?" (p. 153) Of course Tane's not egocentric - yet. This is Betts's heavy-handed way of trying to tie in the lame apples/temptation joke that Tane made in chapter 2. Sigh. I'm afraid that humor is not Betts's strong point.
Any goodwill that Tane has built up in these seven and a half chapters completely evaporates for me (and for Euphemia, aside from that tiresome part where she's in love with him) when he buys the mortgage for Euphemia's house from the small private company that had held it. Euphemia's furious - as she points out, if she fails in a payment, he could foreclose at any time. And it doesn't make much sense - now Tane pays Euphemia rent, which she sends right back to him in the form of a mortgage payment. She tells Tane that she doesn't "want to see you or speak to you ever again!" (p. 159).
Sadly, this resolution won't last, because at the very end of the chapter, there's a catastrophic disaster! Of course, this means that (sigh) Tane will come to save the day in chapter 9.
Tane comes to see Euphemia while she is staying with Ellen and their aunt, and catches Euphemia eating an apple. He egocentrically asks her: "Can it be pure chance [that she happens to be eating an apple when he arrived with no warning whatsoever], or are you tempting me?" (p. 153) Of course Tane's not egocentric - yet. This is Betts's heavy-handed way of trying to tie in the lame apples/temptation joke that Tane made in chapter 2. Sigh. I'm afraid that humor is not Betts's strong point.
Any goodwill that Tane has built up in these seven and a half chapters completely evaporates for me (and for Euphemia, aside from that tiresome part where she's in love with him) when he buys the mortgage for Euphemia's house from the small private company that had held it. Euphemia's furious - as she points out, if she fails in a payment, he could foreclose at any time. And it doesn't make much sense - now Tane pays Euphemia rent, which she sends right back to him in the form of a mortgage payment. She tells Tane that she doesn't "want to see you or speak to you ever again!" (p. 159).
Sadly, this resolution won't last, because at the very end of the chapter, there's a catastrophic disaster! Of course, this means that (sigh) Tane will come to save the day in chapter 9.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 7
To my surprise, I enjoyed this chapter. Most of the chapter takes place in Tane's home.
Diana finally susses out that Euphemia likes Tane. Her sniggering response: "Don't tell me that the starchy Miss Blackstock has been turned on at last, and what a pity he doesn't even know you're there....And [in response to Euphemia's earlier comment about Diana's orange brocade jumpsuit] I'll wear what I damn well please" (p. 129). Of course, Tane does know that Euphemia is there. To this end, he invites a boring rich man to dinner, and Diana is quite taken with him. I have no idea why, as he's described as being pompous, boring, and stout, but apparently Betts needed this plot device to work.
Tane and Euphemia talk quite a bit in this chapter. He finds out that she's in love with someone, and that she feels it's hopeless to expect the man to love her back. He also finds out that she is horrified at the idea of selling her house - although she'll have to work to pay off the mortgage for the next 15 years, she's very serious about her brother living there someday.
The chapter ends with Euphemia's return to her home for a few days. Tane drops her off there from the airport (Diana went to her home with her father) and stays for tea.
Diana finally susses out that Euphemia likes Tane. Her sniggering response: "Don't tell me that the starchy Miss Blackstock has been turned on at last, and what a pity he doesn't even know you're there....And [in response to Euphemia's earlier comment about Diana's orange brocade jumpsuit] I'll wear what I damn well please" (p. 129). Of course, Tane does know that Euphemia is there. To this end, he invites a boring rich man to dinner, and Diana is quite taken with him. I have no idea why, as he's described as being pompous, boring, and stout, but apparently Betts needed this plot device to work.
Tane and Euphemia talk quite a bit in this chapter. He finds out that she's in love with someone, and that she feels it's hopeless to expect the man to love her back. He also finds out that she is horrified at the idea of selling her house - although she'll have to work to pay off the mortgage for the next 15 years, she's very serious about her brother living there someday.
The chapter ends with Euphemia's return to her home for a few days. Tane drops her off there from the airport (Diana went to her home with her father) and stays for tea.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 6
This is one of my days off, but I worked for literally ten hours. So this will be very brief, because my head's a bit muzzy.
Euphemia is in love with Tane, and he kisses her and calls her "Phemie" (memo to self: write a post about the names Betts chooses for her heroines!). Diana doesn't know about the kiss, but she realizes that Euphemia is competition. Diana invites Euphemia on an outing with Tane and Diana, so that Euphemia can see Diana mark her territory, as it were; Tane seems uninterested in Diana's increased demonstrativeness. (Query: is "demonstrativeness" a word? Heavens, I must go to sleep!)
On the way back to England, Tane takes the women back to his home in the Netherlands. It's very similar to every other house that a Dutch hero owns - basically, a stately home (this one's 17th-century) with servants and manicured lawns. Tane's parents are there to greet everyone - predictably, Euphemia enjoys their company and is charmed by the house as it is, but Diana is bored by Tane's parents and planning to put modern furniture (gasp!) into the house. They're like Goofus and Gallant, honestly.
Euphemia is in love with Tane, and he kisses her and calls her "Phemie" (memo to self: write a post about the names Betts chooses for her heroines!). Diana doesn't know about the kiss, but she realizes that Euphemia is competition. Diana invites Euphemia on an outing with Tane and Diana, so that Euphemia can see Diana mark her territory, as it were; Tane seems uninterested in Diana's increased demonstrativeness. (Query: is "demonstrativeness" a word? Heavens, I must go to sleep!)
On the way back to England, Tane takes the women back to his home in the Netherlands. It's very similar to every other house that a Dutch hero owns - basically, a stately home (this one's 17th-century) with servants and manicured lawns. Tane's parents are there to greet everyone - predictably, Euphemia enjoys their company and is charmed by the house as it is, but Diana is bored by Tane's parents and planning to put modern furniture (gasp!) into the house. They're like Goofus and Gallant, honestly.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 5
The end of chapter four was such a cliffhanger that I didn't even notice that I read chapter five as well! Well, no, I'm not quite serious - I was eating dinner while I read Betts last night, and so I wasn't paying attention to how much I read.
Anyway, Euphemia's walking down the driveway with this injured child, and Tane pulls up in a taxi. So they take the kid to the hospital - he'll be fine in a few days. He escorts her back home, because she's untidy from her morning's efforts, and while she's changing, Tane finds out about how unhelpful Diana and her aunt were. Euphemia is thanked by the friendly housekeeper, who is related to the injured boy, and who resents Diana's aunt's attitude (while talking about "peasants", Diana's aunt made no effort to keep her voice down). Diana makes every effort to be charming to Tane, so maybe he doesn't mind. Euphemia and Tane go shopping and sightseeing while Diana rests, and Euphemia realizes she has fallen in love.
Looks aren't essential to me - I mean, I don't define a character by them - but it does seem strange that although Euphemia was described unfavorably in chapter 1, she is called beautiful in chapter 4. Then in this chapter, both Tane and the omniscient narrator describe her that way as well. Odd!
Diana's actions in the last few chapters have earned this book an inappropriate fiancee tag.
Anyway, Euphemia's walking down the driveway with this injured child, and Tane pulls up in a taxi. So they take the kid to the hospital - he'll be fine in a few days. He escorts her back home, because she's untidy from her morning's efforts, and while she's changing, Tane finds out about how unhelpful Diana and her aunt were. Euphemia is thanked by the friendly housekeeper, who is related to the injured boy, and who resents Diana's aunt's attitude (while talking about "peasants", Diana's aunt made no effort to keep her voice down). Diana makes every effort to be charming to Tane, so maybe he doesn't mind. Euphemia and Tane go shopping and sightseeing while Diana rests, and Euphemia realizes she has fallen in love.
Looks aren't essential to me - I mean, I don't define a character by them - but it does seem strange that although Euphemia was described unfavorably in chapter 1, she is called beautiful in chapter 4. Then in this chapter, both Tane and the omniscient narrator describe her that way as well. Odd!
Diana's actions in the last few chapters have earned this book an inappropriate fiancee tag.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 4
I removed the jolie laide tag from a post a few days ago. Euphemia is supposedly too plump, and her mouth is too wide, but a Spaniard meets her and tells her she's beautiful almost before saying hello. So the jury's out on her looks.
Diana and Euphemia get to Spain, and it's a dreary time for Euphemia. Diana's aunt (with whom they are staying) is languid and boring, and her continual dieting means that Euphemia rarely gets quite enough to eat. Diana complains a lot, and has to be encouraged to swim even a short distance in the pool. Euphemia isn't given any time off, though she's supposed to have some time to herself every day. One morning she starts off for town, both to sightsee and to do errands for Diana, but as she is leaving the house she finds a small boy who has been hit by a car. She takes him back to the house, in hopes that Diana and her aunt will help out, but Diana's aunt is horrified by the idea of a small unwashed boy in her house. She even suggests that "They're tough, these peasants, he'll get over it if you put him by the side of the lane - anyhow, someone will find him" (p. 83). So Euphemia trudges off again with the unconscious and increasingly heavy child - and Tane pulls up in a taxi.
Diana and Euphemia get to Spain, and it's a dreary time for Euphemia. Diana's aunt (with whom they are staying) is languid and boring, and her continual dieting means that Euphemia rarely gets quite enough to eat. Diana complains a lot, and has to be encouraged to swim even a short distance in the pool. Euphemia isn't given any time off, though she's supposed to have some time to herself every day. One morning she starts off for town, both to sightsee and to do errands for Diana, but as she is leaving the house she finds a small boy who has been hit by a car. She takes him back to the house, in hopes that Diana and her aunt will help out, but Diana's aunt is horrified by the idea of a small unwashed boy in her house. She even suggests that "They're tough, these peasants, he'll get over it if you put him by the side of the lane - anyhow, someone will find him" (p. 83). So Euphemia trudges off again with the unconscious and increasingly heavy child - and Tane pulls up in a taxi.
beef without mustard
In chapter 4 (p. 78), Euphemia tells Diana that "I should think that being married without having children was like eating beef without mustard." To which Diana replies, "What an extraordinary thing to say!"
I don't usually agree with Diana, but - beef without mustard? Hunh.
I don't usually agree with Diana, but - beef without mustard? Hunh.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 3
It didn't seem like it at first, but this is a medical plot. I've tagged it accordingly.
Quick synopsis: Euphemia meets Diana, and learns that Tane has accepted a position as a consultant at her hospital. She visits her sister Ellen, who has met a nice curate whom she'll almost certainly marry in the future. A few weeks later, Tane asks Euphemia to accompany Diana to Spain; Diana is recovering from mumps, and wants to get away from everyone. In exchange for this favor, Tane proposes to let Euphemia and her family stay in her house for a month,which is handy because Euphemia's brothers have a holiday coming up.
Diana and Euphemia have a catty exchange, in which Diana remarks that anyone who weighs more than eight stone seems huge to her. Euphemia looks scrawny Diana over and gently comments,"Not really, just normal" (p. 46). So Diana complains to Tane that "anyone would think she [Euphemia] owned the place", and is reminded that Euphemia does. Hee!
Betts gets very referential in this chapter - when she mentions Ellen's curate, Euphemia reflects that "That sort of thing [falling in love with the curate] happened in novels" (p. 53). Two pages later, Euphemia reflects that Diana "was like the Other Woman in a bad novel." I'll ignore the obvious comment here, har-dee-har-har.
Quick synopsis: Euphemia meets Diana, and learns that Tane has accepted a position as a consultant at her hospital. She visits her sister Ellen, who has met a nice curate whom she'll almost certainly marry in the future. A few weeks later, Tane asks Euphemia to accompany Diana to Spain; Diana is recovering from mumps, and wants to get away from everyone. In exchange for this favor, Tane proposes to let Euphemia and her family stay in her house for a month,which is handy because Euphemia's brothers have a holiday coming up.
Diana and Euphemia have a catty exchange, in which Diana remarks that anyone who weighs more than eight stone seems huge to her. Euphemia looks scrawny Diana over and gently comments,"Not really, just normal" (p. 46). So Diana complains to Tane that "anyone would think she [Euphemia] owned the place", and is reminded that Euphemia does. Hee!
Betts gets very referential in this chapter - when she mentions Ellen's curate, Euphemia reflects that "That sort of thing [falling in love with the curate] happened in novels" (p. 53). Two pages later, Euphemia reflects that Diana "was like the Other Woman in a bad novel." I'll ignore the obvious comment here, har-dee-har-har.
Betts can't write dialect...
...and here's a sample of what I mean from chapter 2, p. 34. It should be noted that this scene is not set in London, despite the Dick-Van-Dyke-in-Mary-Poppins quality to this dialect: "Got to get 'his breakfast most mornings and cook 'im a meal at night, but 'e's almost never 'ome for 'is lunch and I'm ter suit meself 'ow I'm ter work."
driving is difficult!
Yesterday I was a bit busy, so I didn't post about this bit in chapter 2 (p. 32): "Euphemia stood in the open doorway, staring after him as he climbed into his Bentley and drove away. Part of her mind registered the fact that he did this with a calm skill and careless ease, just as though he were mounting a bicycle."
This makes me wonder whether Betts was a nervous driver, because this idea of a Betts hero driving off without fuss comes up more than once - Never Too Late mentions this as well, if I recall correctly. (And I'll be scared if I do recall correctly, honestly). But seriously - Tane drives a Bentley; it doesn't seem likely that he would have bought it if he were a nervous driver. One hopes that every driver on the road has "calm skill and careless ease"!
This makes me wonder whether Betts was a nervous driver, because this idea of a Betts hero driving off without fuss comes up more than once - Never Too Late mentions this as well, if I recall correctly. (And I'll be scared if I do recall correctly, honestly). But seriously - Tane drives a Bentley; it doesn't seem likely that he would have bought it if he were a nervous driver. One hopes that every driver on the road has "calm skill and careless ease"!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Apple from Eve, chapter 2
For some odd reason, Euphemia decides that when Tane comes to see the house, it must be spotless, and there can't be any sign that they need the money. One would think that renting out the family home would, in fact, give this impression, and that all the Sevres china and polished silver in the world wouldn't help, but Euphemia doesn't come to this conclusion. So we're treated to pages of Euphemia cleaning, polishing, and making a lovely tea for Tane.
Tane rents the house for a year, and throws a party. Euphemia is invited, and she meets thin, elegantly dressed Diana. Diana is the daughter of a baronet, and she is Tane's fiancee. She's also cold, and all too aware of her father's title. Euphemia has a rude little moment when she reminds Tane's housekeeper that, "Dr van Diederijk rents this house, Mrs Cross. I still own it" (p. 43).
The name of the book comes from an exchange between Tane and Euphemia. He sees her eating an apple, and says, "Eve and the apple" (p. 44). She asks whom she is tempting, and he assures her that she is not tempting him. That will turn out to be hogwash - but this is still a pointless title. Still, I suppose Betts couldn't name every book Marrying a Doctor.
By the way, I missed a tag in the last post: this is a older sister plot.
Tane rents the house for a year, and throws a party. Euphemia is invited, and she meets thin, elegantly dressed Diana. Diana is the daughter of a baronet, and she is Tane's fiancee. She's also cold, and all too aware of her father's title. Euphemia has a rude little moment when she reminds Tane's housekeeper that, "Dr van Diederijk rents this house, Mrs Cross. I still own it" (p. 43).
The name of the book comes from an exchange between Tane and Euphemia. He sees her eating an apple, and says, "Eve and the apple" (p. 44). She asks whom she is tempting, and he assures her that she is not tempting him. That will turn out to be hogwash - but this is still a pointless title. Still, I suppose Betts couldn't name every book Marrying a Doctor.
By the way, I missed a tag in the last post: this is a older sister plot.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
An Apple from Eve, chapter 1
Oh, dear. This will be a long nine days, I'm afraid. I'm not crazy about the book, though perhaps it will improve when the nasty fiancee comes on the scene. On the bright side, it features a Dutch doctor - I've written over 20 posts, and none of them featured the Dutch doctors that gave the blog its name!
By the way, the title of this book doesn't make much sense to me. We'll see whether that improves.
As the book starts, Euphemia Blackstock is driving home from the hospital she works in, because her father is having heart trouble. You'd think that under the circumstances, she would be too distracted to notice a steel-grey Bentley pulled up beside her at the traffic light, but she does notice. When she gets to her home, it turns out that the driver of the Bentley is a heart specialist who has been called in to consult on the case. This is our hero, the Dutch doctor, Dr. Tane van Diederijk. He advises that surgery won't help - it would only extend Colonel Blackstock's life for a few days.
Though, to be precise, Tane doesn't mention this at all until the next morning, after the Colonel has died in the night. This is so high-handed that I can't even grasp it - although the family was present, Tane decided not to tell them that their father would probably die in the night, unless he had surgery to extend his life a few days. And of course it's likely that they would have decided against the surgery, but how would he know that? There might have been one more relative that needed the extra day to arrive (to say goodbye), or some alteration to the will that wouldn't be ready until the next day.
The Colonel has left the house mortgaged, and Euphemia decides that it would be best to keep the house, but rent it out until they can come up with some way to pay the mortgage and afford to live there again (it's early days yet, but so far her best plan is to hope that Ellen, her 20-year-old sister, marries a millionaire. Practical!). It turns out that Tane wants to rent out the house, because he needs a house for a few months that is handy to London, and he offers a rate that is twice what Euphemia had hoped for.
By the way, Euphemia is not strikingly beautiful, but she's not plain either. She's a bit plump, which for Betts means "a serious cold, and drop a few pounds and be perfect".
By the way, the title of this book doesn't make much sense to me. We'll see whether that improves.
As the book starts, Euphemia Blackstock is driving home from the hospital she works in, because her father is having heart trouble. You'd think that under the circumstances, she would be too distracted to notice a steel-grey Bentley pulled up beside her at the traffic light, but she does notice. When she gets to her home, it turns out that the driver of the Bentley is a heart specialist who has been called in to consult on the case. This is our hero, the Dutch doctor, Dr. Tane van Diederijk. He advises that surgery won't help - it would only extend Colonel Blackstock's life for a few days.
Though, to be precise, Tane doesn't mention this at all until the next morning, after the Colonel has died in the night. This is so high-handed that I can't even grasp it - although the family was present, Tane decided not to tell them that their father would probably die in the night, unless he had surgery to extend his life a few days. And of course it's likely that they would have decided against the surgery, but how would he know that? There might have been one more relative that needed the extra day to arrive (to say goodbye), or some alteration to the will that wouldn't be ready until the next day.
The Colonel has left the house mortgaged, and Euphemia decides that it would be best to keep the house, but rent it out until they can come up with some way to pay the mortgage and afford to live there again (it's early days yet, but so far her best plan is to hope that Ellen, her 20-year-old sister, marries a millionaire. Practical!). It turns out that Tane wants to rent out the house, because he needs a house for a few months that is handy to London, and he offers a rate that is twice what Euphemia had hoped for.
By the way, Euphemia is not strikingly beautiful, but she's not plain either. She's a bit plump, which for Betts means "a serious cold, and drop a few pounds and be perfect".
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Always and Forever, chapter 9
Chapter 9! Tomorrow I'll be starting a new book, which I don't think I'll enjoy as much as this one. Though there might be a nasty fiancee in it, IIRC. Here's hoping. Sorry - back to Always and Forever:
Oliver works out that Miriam had lied to Amabel, so he makes a point of meeting Miriam so he can crush her dreams of marrying Oliver forever. Meanwhile, Amabel is at home. Her mother and stepfather have laid off the woman who came in to help every day, on the assumption that now Amabel will do that work. They don't need to save the money, but they're cheap. By the way, characterization of Amabel's mother flies out the window in this chapter - it was believable that she was willing to turn a blind eye to Keith being a jerk because she was newly married to him, but it's not likely that she would accept Amabel having to give up her job to work for her, unpaid.
Anyway, Oliver delays his visit to Amabel, because he's busy. By the time he gets to Lady Haleford's house, Amabel has been at her mother's for nearly two weeks. He makes quick work of extricating her and proposing. To my amusement, Amabel asks whether he'll always kiss her so enthusiastically when they're married; when Oliver answers in the affirmative, she replies, "Then I'll marry you, because I like being kissed like that" (p. 250). It's rare for me to be surprised, or amused, on the last page of a Betts, so I'm savoring this one.
Oliver works out that Miriam had lied to Amabel, so he makes a point of meeting Miriam so he can crush her dreams of marrying Oliver forever. Meanwhile, Amabel is at home. Her mother and stepfather have laid off the woman who came in to help every day, on the assumption that now Amabel will do that work. They don't need to save the money, but they're cheap. By the way, characterization of Amabel's mother flies out the window in this chapter - it was believable that she was willing to turn a blind eye to Keith being a jerk because she was newly married to him, but it's not likely that she would accept Amabel having to give up her job to work for her, unpaid.
Anyway, Oliver delays his visit to Amabel, because he's busy. By the time he gets to Lady Haleford's house, Amabel has been at her mother's for nearly two weeks. He makes quick work of extricating her and proposing. To my amusement, Amabel asks whether he'll always kiss her so enthusiastically when they're married; when Oliver answers in the affirmative, she replies, "Then I'll marry you, because I like being kissed like that" (p. 250). It's rare for me to be surprised, or amused, on the last page of a Betts, so I'm savoring this one.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Always and Forever, chapter 8
Although I think Oliver is being lamentably slow about wooing Amabel, I'm far happier with Always and Forever than I was with All Else Confusion. That's a relief; I feared that familiarity would breed contempt with every Betts title, but now I've realized that I have a special level of contempt for the dreadful Jake.
But I digress. When last we left our heroine, she was being stalked by Miriam, and Oliver was in love with her. Both of those things are still true here. Miriam comes to call on Lady Haleford, who is frail enough to see visitors for only a few minutes at a time. She suggests that Miriam and Amabel go on a walk; in the course of the walk, Miriam persuades Amabel that Miriam is about to marry someone named Oliver, a doctor in London who likes to help the less fortunate - in fact, he just helped some pathetic girl get a job. The level of detail here, and the idea that this would come up in a 10-minute conversation, would make me suspicious; Amabel swallows it hook, line and sinker.
However, this conversation has a silver lining (at least for the impatient reader), because after it Amabel realizes she's in love with Oliver. She's upset that he apparently loves Miriam, and refuses to listen when he tells her there's "a great deal I wish to say to you" (p. 221). He soon hears that Miriam has come to visit, so I imagine he'll straighten everything out in chapter 9. But in the meantime, he'll have to rescue Amabel again; her mother gets pneumonia, and Keith insists that Amabel come home to take care of everything. (This scene is reminding me of the end of Lois Duncan's Daughters of Eve, when Jane's mother is in the hospital and her abusive father says Jane will have to take over now. Sadly, unlike Jane's father, Keith won't be feeling the business end of a cast-iron skillet anytime soon).
But I digress. When last we left our heroine, she was being stalked by Miriam, and Oliver was in love with her. Both of those things are still true here. Miriam comes to call on Lady Haleford, who is frail enough to see visitors for only a few minutes at a time. She suggests that Miriam and Amabel go on a walk; in the course of the walk, Miriam persuades Amabel that Miriam is about to marry someone named Oliver, a doctor in London who likes to help the less fortunate - in fact, he just helped some pathetic girl get a job. The level of detail here, and the idea that this would come up in a 10-minute conversation, would make me suspicious; Amabel swallows it hook, line and sinker.
However, this conversation has a silver lining (at least for the impatient reader), because after it Amabel realizes she's in love with Oliver. She's upset that he apparently loves Miriam, and refuses to listen when he tells her there's "a great deal I wish to say to you" (p. 221). He soon hears that Miriam has come to visit, so I imagine he'll straighten everything out in chapter 9. But in the meantime, he'll have to rescue Amabel again; her mother gets pneumonia, and Keith insists that Amabel come home to take care of everything. (This scene is reminding me of the end of Lois Duncan's Daughters of Eve, when Jane's mother is in the hospital and her abusive father says Jane will have to take over now. Sadly, unlike Jane's father, Keith won't be feeling the business end of a cast-iron skillet anytime soon).
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Always and Forever, chapter 7
Amabel has settled in with Lady Haleford, though Lady Haleford wakes her up every night for several hours because she wants someone to talk to. Oliver comes to visit occasionally, and learns that Amabel has bought a new dress. Lady Haleford encourages Oliver to take Amabel to dinner (which he had intended to do anyway), and they have a great time eating and dancing. Amabel is depressed when Lady Haleford is smug about how she invited Oliver to ask out Amabel, because Amabel assumes that Oliver pities her. As it turns out, he's in love with her, and waiting for her to figure out that she is in love with him.
In other news, Miriam has taken to stalking: she often calls Oliver, despite his lack of interest in her. She drives out to the village where Lady Haleford lives and stops Amabel as she walks the dog so that she can scope out Amabel. She even goes to the local church and chats with the vicar, hoping he'll tell her about Lady Haleford and her new companion. He even mentions that he saw Oliver and Amabel walking the dogs, which makes Miriam jealous. The plot thickens - but not too much, as we only have two more chapters to go!
In other news, Miriam has taken to stalking: she often calls Oliver, despite his lack of interest in her. She drives out to the village where Lady Haleford lives and stops Amabel as she walks the dog so that she can scope out Amabel. She even goes to the local church and chats with the vicar, hoping he'll tell her about Lady Haleford and her new companion. He even mentions that he saw Oliver and Amabel walking the dogs, which makes Miriam jealous. The plot thickens - but not too much, as we only have two more chapters to go!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Always and Forever, chapter 6
Oliver takes Amabel to his great-aunt's house. His great-aunt, Lady Haleford, is 87 and has just had a stroke. She doesn't need a nurse, but Oliver and Mrs Fforde want a companion for her. Amabel settles in and is happy enough. Miriam is still chasing after Oliver, despite his obsious disinterest, and when she discovers that a young woman is looking after Lady Haleford, she jumps to all the right conclusions. The chapter ends as Miriam is planning a visit to see Lady Haleford, so she can see Amabel for herself.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
her person
For the first time since I started this blog (so, okay - a book and a half), Betts uses the phrase "her person" (as in, "Amabel was conscious of a warm glow deep inside her person", p. 116). I always find this phrase amusing. Of course, I know what the phrase means, but to me it always sounds as though she's got a minion. Better yet, the "doctor's large person" comes through the door a few pages later; does he have a small person, too? Who's Amabel's person? How did she get one, and where do I get one?
Always and Forever, chapter 5
Amabel and Oliver enjoy an evening and an afternoon together (not staying with each other overnight, of course!). Amabel answers Dolores's questions about this, not realizing that Dolores is not as kind as she seems. Miriam persuades Dolores to fire her, asking her to do so for several days, and even lying that Miriam and Oliver had recently spent the night together, because Miriam Is Wicked. Dolores does this with a cruelty and dispatch that Miriam would have approved: she gives Amabel notice in the morning, and expects her to be packed and out of her room within an hour or two of the end of the workday. Amabel's aunt is away, so she's forced to rent a shabby room (for a high rate, because of the pets). She has to leave there a day or two later, and then she's almost reduced to the free beds at the Salvation Army. She goes to a little medieval church that she had pointed out to Oliver on one of their walks, so she can try to figure out where to go next. Luckily, Oliver finds her there.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Always and Forever, chapter 4
Oliver lets Amabel know about the job in York (the job in a shop that Miriam's friend, Dolores, owns), and Amabel gets it. She gets only half the going rate for such a job, and (gasp!) has to work almost 50 hours a week. On the other hand, hardly anyone comes to the store, and Dolores gives her a room (complete with kitchenette, loo, and enclosed space outside where the pets can go during the day) to stay in. So on balance, Amabel has done well for herself, but she doesn't see it that way. She spends most of her wages on making the room nicer, which can't be a good idea for one that has no savings.
Miriam has been possessive lately, and their friends have taken to treating them as a couple, so Oliver goes up to York to see Amabel. It's mind-boggling that Oliver can't understand the reasons for this behavior, but Dolores does. She calls Miriam to warn her about how friendly Oliver and Amabel are. At the end of the chapter, Oliver even quotes a Nigerian proverb ("Hold a true friend with both your friends") at Amabel, holding both her hands and telling her that he's her true friend. This always strikes me as hilarious; could he be any more literal-minded?
Miriam has been possessive lately, and their friends have taken to treating them as a couple, so Oliver goes up to York to see Amabel. It's mind-boggling that Oliver can't understand the reasons for this behavior, but Dolores does. She calls Miriam to warn her about how friendly Oliver and Amabel are. At the end of the chapter, Oliver even quotes a Nigerian proverb ("Hold a true friend with both your friends") at Amabel, holding both her hands and telling her that he's her true friend. This always strikes me as hilarious; could he be any more literal-minded?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Shades of Enid Blyton!
In chapter 3, p. 77, Great-Aunt Thisbe serves Oliver and Amabel a high tea which even an Enid Blyton character would have cherished: "The table was elegantly laid, the teapot at one end, a covered dish of buttered eggs at the other, with racks of toast, a dish of butter and a homemade pate. There was jam too, and a pot of honey, and sandwiches, and in the centre of the table a cakestand bearing scones, fruitcake, oatcakes and small cakes from the local baker, known as fancies."
Always and Forever, chapter 3
Great-Aunt Thisbe assures Amabel that are plenty of museum jobs open in York, and that all that's needed to get one is "intelligence, the Queen's English and a pleasant voice and appearance" (p. 63). It seems unlkely to me that no one else wants to be a curator or museum guide; my SO was surprised for another reason: "They speak the Queen's English in York?"
Oliver goes to look for Amabel at her old home, and her mother shows her true Ungrateful Parent colors by telling Oliver, a stranger, that "The silly girl didn't like the idea of them [the dog and cat] being put down - left us in the lurch too" by not helping Keith with the gardening business (p. 68). He decides to drive up to York to see Amabel, not enquiring too deeply into his motives for so doing (though even a careless reader would suss them out, of course). He sees Amabel a few times, and hears about her wish to get a job. The catty Miriam unexpectedly comes to the rescue, gossiping about her friend in York who owns a shop, but who is impractical and needs an assistant. The chapter ends there, but one can guess what will happen in chapter 4.
By the way, Amabel's wish to get a job, but apparent cluelessness about the process, makes this book not only an ungrateful family story, but also a helpless woman story.
Oliver goes to look for Amabel at her old home, and her mother shows her true Ungrateful Parent colors by telling Oliver, a stranger, that "The silly girl didn't like the idea of them [the dog and cat] being put down - left us in the lurch too" by not helping Keith with the gardening business (p. 68). He decides to drive up to York to see Amabel, not enquiring too deeply into his motives for so doing (though even a careless reader would suss them out, of course). He sees Amabel a few times, and hears about her wish to get a job. The catty Miriam unexpectedly comes to the rescue, gossiping about her friend in York who owns a shop, but who is impractical and needs an assistant. The chapter ends there, but one can guess what will happen in chapter 4.
By the way, Amabel's wish to get a job, but apparent cluelessness about the process, makes this book not only an ungrateful family story, but also a helpless woman story.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
off-the-peg dresses
Ok, so here's the strange things about Betts fashion: she's always dismissive of dresses that are "off-the-peg", but all of her characters wear them. I was inspired to write this by a description of the dress Amabel wears to eat dinner with Oliver in chapter 2: "...[Amabel] got into a jersey dress, which was an off the peg model, but of a pleasing shade of cranberry-red..." (pp. 43-44). The alternative to off-the-peg is couture, which by definition means custom fittings, if not custom-making and custom design. So all those times her heroines go on a shopping spree at Jaeger or Harrods, they're buying off-the-peg. The only heroines who wear handmade clothes are the poor ones, who have people in the village hand-make their dresses.
Always and Forever, chapter 2
In this chapter, we hear about Oliver's house in London. It's a narrow Regency house, complete with a servant (Bates) and a black Labrador (Tiger). We also hear that he's been in the company of Miriam Potter-Stokes lately, one of those elegant and well-dressed women who often throw themselves at Betts heroes. She's well-dressed, but Oliver isn't very enthusiastic about spending time with her - Miriam clearly likes him more than he likes her. Odds are that Miriam and Amabel will meet in later chapters, and that Miriam will be condescending, and that I'll enjoy reading all about it. Anyway, seeing Miriam reminds Oliver of Amabel - possibly "because the difference in the two of them was so marked" (p. 40). So he visits Amabel, finds her having a good cry about her mother's new marriage, and is very comforting - he even takes her out to dinner.
Amabel has been looking for jobs in the newspaper. She writes to her mother about the splendid apple crop, and about all the fruit she has harvested. She actually does quite a lot of gardening in the weeks before her mother's return. They have a large garden plot, an orchard, and an old greenhouse. Sadly, once Keith (Amabel's stepfather) arrives, there goes the orchard - on the first day of his arrival, he announces his intentions of taking out all the trees and putting a new greenhouse there. Keith assumes that Amabel will stick around and do the lighter gardening, even though he doesn't like her and even declares that "I'm the boss here" (because Amabel's mother is a doormat). After Amabel finds him mistreating the animals she takes some money (with her mother's permission) and runs away with the pets to her great-aunt Thisbe in Yorkshire. Her aunt is very welcoming, saying, "Welcome to my home, child. And yours for as long as you need it." (p. 59)
Amabel has been looking for jobs in the newspaper. She writes to her mother about the splendid apple crop, and about all the fruit she has harvested. She actually does quite a lot of gardening in the weeks before her mother's return. They have a large garden plot, an orchard, and an old greenhouse. Sadly, once Keith (Amabel's stepfather) arrives, there goes the orchard - on the first day of his arrival, he announces his intentions of taking out all the trees and putting a new greenhouse there. Keith assumes that Amabel will stick around and do the lighter gardening, even though he doesn't like her and even declares that "I'm the boss here" (because Amabel's mother is a doormat). After Amabel finds him mistreating the animals she takes some money (with her mother's permission) and runs away with the pets to her great-aunt Thisbe in Yorkshire. Her aunt is very welcoming, saying, "Welcome to my home, child. And yours for as long as you need it." (p. 59)
Friday, August 24, 2007
more about Amabel and jobs
In one of my posts yesterday (before I picked up Always and Forever), I'd said this:
"And she never goes off to get training, or live on the dole for a while until she is trained for a career."
This is absolutely true for Amabel. She muses that, "She would have to train for something... But training cost money, and she wasn't sure there would be any. She could get a job and save enough to train" (p. 30). But then she comes up with the waitressing/National Trust idea, and hares off on that instead. It never occurs to her to ask her mother for some start-up costs, or to live at home while she commutes to a training, because after all they've been in business together, and surely Amabel has a right to some of the money, if her mother chooses to give up the business?
"And she never goes off to get training, or live on the dole for a while until she is trained for a career."
This is absolutely true for Amabel. She muses that, "She would have to train for something... But training cost money, and she wasn't sure there would be any. She could get a job and save enough to train" (p. 30). But then she comes up with the waitressing/National Trust idea, and hares off on that instead. It never occurs to her to ask her mother for some start-up costs, or to live at home while she commutes to a training, because after all they've been in business together, and surely Amabel has a right to some of the money, if her mother chooses to give up the business?
Always and Forever, chapter 1
I'm looking forward to this book! All Else Confusion made me cranky, so this will be a nice change. I have a "larger print" version of this book - it's not a trade paperback, as older large-print Bettses are, but a mass market paperback with slightly larger type. Most of the people I know who like Bettses (aside from me, I mean) are over 60, so I shouldn't be surprised by the larger print.
Amabel, our heroine, runs a B&B with her mother, who is visiting Amabel's sister in Canada. Amabel isn't happy about being left at home alone, but puts a brave face on it. She's a jolie laide - "with a face which, while not pretty, was redeemed by fine brown eyes" and long, pale brown hair (p. 5). She has a dog, Cyril, and a cat named Oscar.
One day, during a storm, Dr. Oliver Fforde and his mother knock on the door, asking to stay because the weather's awful for driving. He drives a Rolls Royce, by the way, which is a nice change from Bentleys. Of course Amabel is a good cook and a good host, and it's not surprising that Oliver and Amabel get along well. In the days that follow the Ffordes' departure, Amabel proves to be a capable B&B manager. Oliver stops by one day to see how she's doing, and takes her out to lunch.
At the end of the chapter, Amabel receives a letter from her mother, explaining the delay in her return from Canada: she has met a market gardener, and after they marry they will convert the B&B into a working garden, so Amabel should feel free (that's a strong hint, there!) to go find a career. Amabel assesses her skills (p. 30: "She could cook - not quite cordon bleu, perhaps, but to a high standard - she could housekeep, change plugs, cope with basic plumbing. She could tend a garden... Her pen faltered. There was nothing else."). Of course she has A levels, but she decides that working as a waitress, or for the National Trust (as a house guide, or in a teashop) would be a better fit.
I was delighted by her mother's letter, because I didn't know how to categorize this book before I read it. Her mother's cool assumption that Amabel will keep the B&B running until her mother's return several months hence, and the strong hint that she won't be wanted after that, make this book an ungrateful family title. Yippee!
Amabel, our heroine, runs a B&B with her mother, who is visiting Amabel's sister in Canada. Amabel isn't happy about being left at home alone, but puts a brave face on it. She's a jolie laide - "with a face which, while not pretty, was redeemed by fine brown eyes" and long, pale brown hair (p. 5). She has a dog, Cyril, and a cat named Oscar.
One day, during a storm, Dr. Oliver Fforde and his mother knock on the door, asking to stay because the weather's awful for driving. He drives a Rolls Royce, by the way, which is a nice change from Bentleys. Of course Amabel is a good cook and a good host, and it's not surprising that Oliver and Amabel get along well. In the days that follow the Ffordes' departure, Amabel proves to be a capable B&B manager. Oliver stops by one day to see how she's doing, and takes her out to lunch.
At the end of the chapter, Amabel receives a letter from her mother, explaining the delay in her return from Canada: she has met a market gardener, and after they marry they will convert the B&B into a working garden, so Amabel should feel free (that's a strong hint, there!) to go find a career. Amabel assesses her skills (p. 30: "She could cook - not quite cordon bleu, perhaps, but to a high standard - she could housekeep, change plugs, cope with basic plumbing. She could tend a garden... Her pen faltered. There was nothing else."). Of course she has A levels, but she decides that working as a waitress, or for the National Trust (as a house guide, or in a teashop) would be a better fit.
I was delighted by her mother's letter, because I didn't know how to categorize this book before I read it. Her mother's cool assumption that Amabel will keep the B&B running until her mother's return several months hence, and the strong hint that she won't be wanted after that, make this book an ungrateful family title. Yippee!
Labels:
doctor,
Englishman,
jolie laide,
other car,
ungrateful family
Thursday, August 23, 2007
plots
So. I've just finished blogging about the first Betts on my list, so now it's time for me to work out names for the various plots. All Else Confusion is certainly the basic marriage of convenience. There's the slight twist that Jake doesn't realize he's in love with Annis straight away, and Annis has at least a chance of happiness with Matt, but that's it. The marriage of convenience nearly always has at least one of them in love from the get-go, it always features a shopping spree (though there's one book, which I might be misremembering, in which the hero pretends he's poor. It sounds so unlikely for a Betts that I'll assume I'm wrong for the moment).
There's also the helpless woman plot, in which the hero finds the heroine a series of jobs - or, occasionally, she finds them herself - and despite living almost hand-to-mouth, she spends most of her surplus income on jersey dresses and two-piece outfits. That comes in handy when the hero falls in love with her, of course, but it's hardly a sound financial strategy. Of course, because she's of good family, she rarely takes a job as a maid - though that does happen. And she never goes off to get training, or live on the dole for a while until she is trained for a career. Or go to university - Betts heroines are never, ever university girls. Occasionally, the heroine has her own business - I'm reminded of a Betts heroine who owns a teashop and never makes any money, which makes her a suitable candidate for rescue by the hero.
Sometimes the helpless woman plot is combined with the marriage of convenience, or with the fabulously over-the-top ungrateful family (exemplified in the book where her selfish sister doses some babies with sleeping pills so she can go to a fashion show, if memory serves me correctly). The ungrateful family plot is where one is most likely to find a Betts heroine doing work that's "below her station", such as cleaning houses, because she works and works just so her family can buy chocolates. Extravagantly. More rarely, the Betts heroine is the older sister and caretaker of her siblings.
The inappropriate fiancee plot is a favorite as well. The heroines rarely have interesting fiancees (they tend to be dull but worthy), but the hero's fiancee is nearly always thin, attractively dressed, selfish and mean. They make for interesting reading - I'm speaking on the Betts scale of interesting, of course. Funnily enough, the Betts heroines can be just as catty as the mean fiancees when provoked, but the hero always realizes the sterling worth of the heroine and persuades the fiancee to break the engagement. Often, she finds solace in the arms of an American - rich Americans, or overly friendly ones, are the only people from the States who ever show up in the books.
The medical plot can be combined with the inappropriate fiancee plot or the ungrateful family plot (as in the example with the sleeping pills above), but basically it's your doctor-nurse cliche. They work in the same medical setting, and through a series of dramatic events they realize they're right for each other,
There's also the helpless woman plot, in which the hero finds the heroine a series of jobs - or, occasionally, she finds them herself - and despite living almost hand-to-mouth, she spends most of her surplus income on jersey dresses and two-piece outfits. That comes in handy when the hero falls in love with her, of course, but it's hardly a sound financial strategy. Of course, because she's of good family, she rarely takes a job as a maid - though that does happen. And she never goes off to get training, or live on the dole for a while until she is trained for a career. Or go to university - Betts heroines are never, ever university girls. Occasionally, the heroine has her own business - I'm reminded of a Betts heroine who owns a teashop and never makes any money, which makes her a suitable candidate for rescue by the hero.
Sometimes the helpless woman plot is combined with the marriage of convenience, or with the fabulously over-the-top ungrateful family (exemplified in the book where her selfish sister doses some babies with sleeping pills so she can go to a fashion show, if memory serves me correctly). The ungrateful family plot is where one is most likely to find a Betts heroine doing work that's "below her station", such as cleaning houses, because she works and works just so her family can buy chocolates. Extravagantly. More rarely, the Betts heroine is the older sister and caretaker of her siblings.
The inappropriate fiancee plot is a favorite as well. The heroines rarely have interesting fiancees (they tend to be dull but worthy), but the hero's fiancee is nearly always thin, attractively dressed, selfish and mean. They make for interesting reading - I'm speaking on the Betts scale of interesting, of course. Funnily enough, the Betts heroines can be just as catty as the mean fiancees when provoked, but the hero always realizes the sterling worth of the heroine and persuades the fiancee to break the engagement. Often, she finds solace in the arms of an American - rich Americans, or overly friendly ones, are the only people from the States who ever show up in the books.
The medical plot can be combined with the inappropriate fiancee plot or the ungrateful family plot (as in the example with the sleeping pills above), but basically it's your doctor-nurse cliche. They work in the same medical setting, and through a series of dramatic events they realize they're right for each other,
All Else Confusion, chapter 9
It's the last chapter - yippee! It's hard to remember that this book is 25 years old - but even in other times, Jake's attitudes would have been disturbing. Jake leaves Annis at her parents' house while he goes overseas, and doesn't tell her where he is going or when he'll be back. So when Annis decides to chase him down to tell him she loves him, she has to find out his whereabouts from his secretary (who, natch, is surprised that Annis doesn't know). So Annis flies off to Naples, tells Jake that she loves him and finds out that (of course) he's in love with her, and they decide to have a proper honeymoon in Naples.
I don't think I'll be this happy to see chapter 9 in every Betts. This is one of my least favorites, because Annis is more of a doormat than usual - well, she's probably average on that score, but he walks all over her more often.
I'm done! This is, by the way, the marriage of convenience plot. It's slightly unusual - Annis flying off to Naples is atypical, as is Jake being a businessman and not a doctor, but Betts couldn't write exactly the same book over and over again, could she?
I don't think I'll be this happy to see chapter 9 in every Betts. This is one of my least favorites, because Annis is more of a doormat than usual - well, she's probably average on that score, but he walks all over her more often.
I'm done! This is, by the way, the marriage of convenience plot. It's slightly unusual - Annis flying off to Naples is atypical, as is Jake being a businessman and not a doctor, but Betts couldn't write exactly the same book over and over again, could she?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 8
Jake and Annis are home from Lisbon. Annis buys a dress, they go to a party, they go to Bath, they visit Jake's family. Everyone - Annis, Betts, and certainly I - am just waiting until chapter 9. Jake throws the "man with the head..." quote from Tennyson at Annis, which would make me run away, but Annis doesn't (she does protest,"But I'm a person! Why should I obey blindly just because you want me to?", (p. 159) but doesn't pursue it after Jake changes the subject). They go back to London and Annis goes sightseeing every day to fill in the time, but never mentions it to Jake lest it bore him (though he explains the "intricacies of business" to her in some detail).
They have a dinner party, and afterward Annis is cross with Jake because he assumes she had nothing to do with the preparation. She exclaims that "I can't think why you married me, and I can't think why I married you either!" (p. 162). Jake had been planning to dump her off at her parents' house while he went overseas; when she protests, he maddeningly says, "Remember Tennyson?" and changes the subject. He's horrible, honestly, and even his timely intervention when little Audrey is carried off by a party of tinkers (!) doesn't make him much better.
They have a dinner party, and afterward Annis is cross with Jake because he assumes she had nothing to do with the preparation. She exclaims that "I can't think why you married me, and I can't think why I married you either!" (p. 162). Jake had been planning to dump her off at her parents' house while he went overseas; when she protests, he maddeningly says, "Remember Tennyson?" and changes the subject. He's horrible, honestly, and even his timely intervention when little Audrey is carried off by a party of tinkers (!) doesn't make him much better.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 7
This is a very dull chapter. Annis is peeved, so she makes a comment in Jake's hearing about how single children often grow up to be more selfish than those in large families. Jake alludes to this the next morning, but when she apologizes he asks her why she's "making such a thing about it" (p. 137).
Another odd bit of dialogue makes me think he's a bit of a jerk:
Annis: "Oh, do you think I'm pretty?"
Jake: "Why else should I have married you?" (p. 141)
I was amused to see one of the servants saying that "though I says it as shouldn't...", because I use that phrase as well. Come to think of it, I probably got it from a Betts, or from an old British children's book.
Another odd bit of dialogue makes me think he's a bit of a jerk:
Annis: "Oh, do you think I'm pretty?"
Jake: "Why else should I have married you?" (p. 141)
I was amused to see one of the servants saying that "though I says it as shouldn't...", because I use that phrase as well. Come to think of it, I probably got it from a Betts, or from an old British children's book.
Monday, August 20, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 6
Here's what happens at the end of Annis's and Jake's wedding day: Annis "wished him goodnight, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, because all her life she had kissed her parents goodnight and it was going to be a habit hard to break" (p. 110). O-kay. I know it's a chaste Betts, and that they have an agreement to stay celibate for the first few months of their marriage (because it's essentially a marriage of convenience for Jake), but Annis's confusion between her parents and Jake is strange.
They dash off to Lisbon for a few days, because Jake has business there. Jake buys Annis several dresses. As always, good clothes transform a Betts heroine into something quite lovely. I can think of only one person in my acquaintance who looks noticeably different, and better, in formal dress, so I find this strange.
There's a tiresome - and red-flag raising, if either of these people thought - sequence where Jake asks Annis to eat lunch alone in their hotel room. But she sees him driving with an attractive woman before lunch, so she eats in a restaurant and sits with one of his colleagues. So he's cranky that she went against his wishes about her lunch (!), so she mentions the woman, and all is well. But were I a marriage counselor, I'd warn Jake about being controlling and Annis about jealousy.
They dash off to Lisbon for a few days, because Jake has business there. Jake buys Annis several dresses. As always, good clothes transform a Betts heroine into something quite lovely. I can think of only one person in my acquaintance who looks noticeably different, and better, in formal dress, so I find this strange.
There's a tiresome - and red-flag raising, if either of these people thought - sequence where Jake asks Annis to eat lunch alone in their hotel room. But she sees him driving with an attractive woman before lunch, so she eats in a restaurant and sits with one of his colleagues. So he's cranky that she went against his wishes about her lunch (!), so she mentions the woman, and all is well. But were I a marriage counselor, I'd warn Jake about being controlling and Annis about jealousy.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 5
One who was unfamiliar with Betty Neels's books might have wondered why on earth I included "house #1" as a label. It's because nearly always, the hero has two or three, often with servants to match. So for this chapter, I longed to be able to label this "house #2" - because doesn't a flat that covers a whole floor of a house in London count? But I can't, because even if it's posh, it's still a flat. So with the wedding coming up, Jake takes Annis to look at his flat, which of course is furnished and decorated exactly to her taste (soft colors, a Sheraton table, an original Turner in the sitting-room, etc.).
I'd forgotten about Betts's utterly bourgeois tastes - and I mean that literally. Jake and Annis go to Claridges, and he treats her to lobster and champagne, among other things. Whatever would Lord Peter Wimsey say? Well, I suspect he'd say nothing, but the silence would speak volumes. Quite a lot is given to Annis in this chapter: lunch, a sapphire engagement ring, a car.
Jake's busy in the weeks before the wedding, so Matt becomes Annis's right hand. In a different author's hands, this would lead to a wholly different plot, but it doesn't, because Matt's still keen on marrying Annis's sister.
The chapter ends with Annis going down the aisle to her wedding.
I'd forgotten about Betts's utterly bourgeois tastes - and I mean that literally. Jake and Annis go to Claridges, and he treats her to lobster and champagne, among other things. Whatever would Lord Peter Wimsey say? Well, I suspect he'd say nothing, but the silence would speak volumes. Quite a lot is given to Annis in this chapter: lunch, a sapphire engagement ring, a car.
Jake's busy in the weeks before the wedding, so Matt becomes Annis's right hand. In a different author's hands, this would lead to a wholly different plot, but it doesn't, because Matt's still keen on marrying Annis's sister.
The chapter ends with Annis going down the aisle to her wedding.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 4
After the funeral, Jake had kept Annis in Bath on the pretext of work, but we learn here that he was lying - there's only a half-hour of phone calls. If this were a very different type of romance, this would lead to Gothic horror - will the heroine ever get home? - or a seduction scene. But it's a Betts, so of course they chastely get into his Bentley and go off to meet his family. His grandmother jumps the gun a bit, which leads to this ever-so-romantic proposal:
Jake: Grandmother approves of you, isn't that nice? She longs to be a great-granny.
Annis: Whatever has that got to do with me?
Jake: I told her that I was going to marry you.
It turns out that I was wrong about the last chapter; Jake is in love with Annis, but he doesn't realize it yet. They're going to marry in three weeks' time. Jake (because he's rich, of course) tells Annis not to worry about a trousseau, and suggests to her parents that he give them a little something to pay for a helper to take Annis's place (though since they didn't really need one when Annis was in Bath, why bother now?). Matt, by the way, wants to marry Annis's younger sister.
Jake: Grandmother approves of you, isn't that nice? She longs to be a great-granny.
Annis: Whatever has that got to do with me?
Jake: I told her that I was going to marry you.
It turns out that I was wrong about the last chapter; Jake is in love with Annis, but he doesn't realize it yet. They're going to marry in three weeks' time. Jake (because he's rich, of course) tells Annis not to worry about a trousseau, and suggests to her parents that he give them a little something to pay for a helper to take Annis's place (though since they didn't really need one when Annis was in Bath, why bother now?). Matt, by the way, wants to marry Annis's younger sister.
Friday, August 17, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 3
Was Betts a Monty Python fan? I'd never noticed before that when Mrs Duvant falls ill, she says, "I'm not dead yet." Of course, she dies a few pages later of cancer, which she's had all along. I find it odd that Mrs Duvant chooses to spend her last days with Annis, a new acquaintance; that Matt never mentions the illness to Annis's family; and that Mrs Duvant wants Annis to call Jake, not Matt. OK, that last one's for plot reasons, but I still don't see the logic; Matt's her nephew, and his father is Mrs Duvant's brother. It's Annis who suggests contacting Matt's father. But this way, Annis amd Jake get to trade philosophies at the deathbed.
The only other event in this chapter (if we can call it an event) is Annis's realization that she's in love with Jake. And since it's pretty clear he likes her, and has even said he has found the person he wants to marry, it means the reader has to plow through six more chapters until the end - because nearly every Betts has nine chapters (if it's a novella, there are five). Oh, and Jake inherits the house.
The only other event in this chapter (if we can call it an event) is Annis's realization that she's in love with Jake. And since it's pretty clear he likes her, and has even said he has found the person he wants to marry, it means the reader has to plow through six more chapters until the end - because nearly every Betts has nine chapters (if it's a novella, there are five). Oh, and Jake inherits the house.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 2
I'll ignore Annis's confusion about Jake (he infuriates her, but she'll miss him when she goes, etc.), because it's not resolved yet - it's only chapter 2! Though, he does take her out for dinner and dancing, give her a lot to drink, and then kiss her goodnight. Instead, here are some noteworthy points:
- Jake drives a Bentley! I mean, it's probable that he does, because Betts heroes generally do, but it's fun to see this one.
- Mrs Duvant is Jake's godmother, and she's wealthy. So there are all those trappings of wealth that are always present in a Betts: shopping in Jaeger, Annis's old-but-still-good tweeds, etc.
- The reminder that Betty Neels and I don't share the same musical tastes at all, at all, evinced here by Jake asking, "I hope it's not Bach [at the concert that evening]?" Based on the books, Betts liked Grieg, Debussy, Schubert and others.
- They play poker, which I can't recall coming up in any other Betts. Jake is surprised that Annis picks it up quickly, but Annis had 5 A-levels, one in Maths, so of course she can play poker.
- Jake drives a Bentley! I mean, it's probable that he does, because Betts heroes generally do, but it's fun to see this one.
- Mrs Duvant is Jake's godmother, and she's wealthy. So there are all those trappings of wealth that are always present in a Betts: shopping in Jaeger, Annis's old-but-still-good tweeds, etc.
- The reminder that Betty Neels and I don't share the same musical tastes at all, at all, evinced here by Jake asking, "I hope it's not Bach [at the concert that evening]?" Based on the books, Betts liked Grieg, Debussy, Schubert and others.
- They play poker, which I can't recall coming up in any other Betts. Jake is surprised that Annis picks it up quickly, but Annis had 5 A-levels, one in Maths, so of course she can play poker.
labels I might use
I've been turning some labels over in my head, so I thought I'd put them out here for people to see:
waif, his employee, Bentley, other car, shopping spree, poor gentry, wedding, natural disaster, rescued pet, not a doctor, doctor, nurse, jolie laide, beautiful, Dutchman, Englishman, jealousy.
ETA: in love, chapter 10
ETA: proposal, his fiancee, her fiancee, house #1, house #2, house #3
I'm sure there are more, but that's a short list. For example, I'll have to add - and think of names or numbers for - the three or four different plots Betts uses.
waif, his employee, Bentley, other car, shopping spree, poor gentry, wedding, natural disaster, rescued pet, not a doctor, doctor, nurse, jolie laide, beautiful, Dutchman, Englishman, jealousy.
ETA: in love, chapter 10
ETA: proposal, his fiancee, her fiancee, house #1, house #2, house #3
I'm sure there are more, but that's a short list. For example, I'll have to add - and think of names or numbers for - the three or four different plots Betts uses.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
All Else Confusion, chapter 1
I decided to go alphabetically through my bookcase, so I'm starting with All Else Confusion (Mills and Boon, 1982), chapter 1. One gets an inkling of Betts's views on the verso, where she decides to quote from Tennyson's The Princess:
"Man with the head and woman with the heart:
Man to command and woman to obey;
All else confusion."
Annis, the woman in this romance, is a typical Betts heroine: "although she was moderately clever, she had an endearing dreaminess, a generous nature and a complete lack of sophistication."
She stays at home to help her mother, which makes very little financial sense; the family's strapped for cash, so why doesn't Annis get a job so they could buy some labor-saving devices (such as an up-to-date stove and a washing machine that works)? The other relevant things in this chapter are the discussion of Annis's frail sister Audrey (since Betts mentions Audrey's smallness and timidity repeatedly, you know it'll come up again), and her introduction to the laughably-named Jake Royle, the wealthy businessman and hero of the piece, who is first seen on horseback. He's virile, don't'cha know. Also on horseback is a nice neighbor named Matt - despite All Else Confusion's faults (and believe me, we'll get to those in the next week or so), it's a pleasant change for Betts to mention another man whom the heroine could have loved.
At the very end of the chapter, Annis agrees to stay with a woman she has just met: Matt's aunt, Mrs Duvant.
"Man with the head and woman with the heart:
Man to command and woman to obey;
All else confusion."
Annis, the woman in this romance, is a typical Betts heroine: "although she was moderately clever, she had an endearing dreaminess, a generous nature and a complete lack of sophistication."
She stays at home to help her mother, which makes very little financial sense; the family's strapped for cash, so why doesn't Annis get a job so they could buy some labor-saving devices (such as an up-to-date stove and a washing machine that works)? The other relevant things in this chapter are the discussion of Annis's frail sister Audrey (since Betts mentions Audrey's smallness and timidity repeatedly, you know it'll come up again), and her introduction to the laughably-named Jake Royle, the wealthy businessman and hero of the piece, who is first seen on horseback. He's virile, don't'cha know. Also on horseback is a nice neighbor named Matt - despite All Else Confusion's faults (and believe me, we'll get to those in the next week or so), it's a pleasant change for Betts to mention another man whom the heroine could have loved.
At the very end of the chapter, Annis agrees to stay with a woman she has just met: Matt's aunt, Mrs Duvant.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
welcome to my new blog!
I've been blogging here for a few years, but I wanted to try this as a separate experiment. For years - really, almost a decade - I'd been trying to think of a format that would allow me to chatter about Betty Neels's romances (which I like, and love to mock) and also allow me to sort them into reasonable categories. See, for those who have never read her books, she wrote over 100 books for Harlequin (well, Mills and Boon). They have the same three or four plots over and over, and I wanted a way to chart them. I hadn't worked out a way to do it (and to be honest, I hadn't been trying very hard to find one), until I saw another blogger's tags the other day, and realized they could do what I want.
So what I plan to do is blog about a chapter of a Betts book every day until I run out of them. I don't own every single one - there are ten or so that I'm missing. Which, yes, means I own about 100 similar romances by the same author. They're strangely compelling, taken as a body - all those English women with jersey dresses and long hair marrying (nearly always) laconic Dutch doctors who are tall, with fair greying hair and very expensive cars and houses. Yes, houses - Betts doctors nearly always have more than one house.
So what I plan to do is blog about a chapter of a Betts book every day until I run out of them. I don't own every single one - there are ten or so that I'm missing. Which, yes, means I own about 100 similar romances by the same author. They're strangely compelling, taken as a body - all those English women with jersey dresses and long hair marrying (nearly always) laconic Dutch doctors who are tall, with fair greying hair and very expensive cars and houses. Yes, houses - Betts doctors nearly always have more than one house.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)