Louise M. Gouge (23 page)

Dear Reader,

Thank you for choosing
A Proper Companion,
the first book in my LADIES IN WAITING series. I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey back to Regency England. This is my first full-length Regency book, and I have absolutely fallen in love with this unique and fascinating era, the setting for Jane Austen’s timeless novels.

One of the tricky things about writing these stories is getting all of the details right. The social structures of the Regency era were quite strict and confining, but true love could always find a way to cross social lines. By the way, if you’re a diehard Regency fan and find an error, please let me know! And please know that I tried to get it right!

As with all of my stories, beyond the romance, I hope to inspire my readers always to seek God’s guidance, no matter what trials may come their way.

I love to hear from readers, so if you have a comment, please contact me through my website: http://blog.Louisemgouge.com.

Blessings,

Louise M. Gouge

Questions for Discussion

1. In the beginning of the story, Anna receives one piece of bad news after another, any one of which could have defeated her. How does she respond? What Biblical character did she try to emulate?
   
2. For all the romance of the Regency era, English society of the time would consider Anna a spinster at age twenty-three. How have social norms changed? How are the lives of young women different today?
   
3. In spite of his own infirmities, Edmond makes an unusual offer to Anna to rescue her from destitution. What does this say about his character? Do you think he fits the image of a “hero”? Why or why not? What is your definition of a hero?
   
4. From the moment Edmond meets Anna he admires her, but considers her beneath him socially. Why? Do you think this reflects upon his character? What causes him to change his opinion over time?
   
5. What sort of person is Lady Greystone? Why does she regard Anna as “insignificant”? Are there people today with that attitude toward certain people?
   
6. What expectations did Lady Greystone have of Edmond and Richard? Why were her expectations different for Greystone? Considering the times, was she justified in trying to force Edmond into an advantageous career?
   
7. Why doesn’t Edmond want to remain in the army? Do you think his reasons are valid? Why or why not?
   
8. This was an age in which the aristocracy ruled and held all of the privileges. As much as we romanticize the era, would you like to travel back in time for a visit? At what level of society did your ancestors live?
   
9. Both Anna and Edmond are Christians. Which one changes the most in the story? In what ways did each one mature and become stronger? In what ways did they stay the same?
   
10. In the Regency era there were no televisions or movies, and families had to make their own evening entertainment. Each member and each guest was responsible to help pass the time in a pleasant way. What does your family do in the evening to spend time together?
    

We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired
Historical title.

You find illumination in days gone by.
Love Inspired Historical
stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle
the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on
family.

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ISBN: 9781459230965

Copyright © 2012 by Louise M. Gouge

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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