This is an amusing, sprightly tale with plenty to enjoy in it.  Eustacia is a very likeable protagonist who gets embroiled in rather more than she wishes, and like Lord Ilam she has a larger-than-life parent who casts a large shadow.  Her lively sojourn with Lady Agatha makes for enjoyable reading, painting a picture of life in a country village and in a great house.  Ms Barker manages to fit more into her tale than just a love story, and I will be keen to read more of her work in future.  If you enjoy historical romance then this will entertain, and as it is the first book in a trilogy there should be more in a similar vein to look forward to.