Review: The Secret of Seavale by Blake Smith
Things go bump in the night that shouldn’t in this Regency romance!
Miss Elizabeth Markham has had quite enough of school, thank you. She intends not to stay another minute and, without alerting anyone who might be inclined to ask her where she thinks she is going, Elizabeth makes good her escape. Quite pleased with herself, she heads to her godmother Mrs. Brownhurst’s cottage in Seavale. The lovely elderly lady will happily shelter Elizabeth there, as they have only been close.
At least, that was the initial plan. Elizabeth might have written ahead to ask for her godmother’s schedule – Mrs. Brownhurst of Seavale Cottage is not present, having gone to Bath. Now Miss Markham must make do on her own, including worrying about the strange noises in the cottage basement!
The Story
Captain Charles Randall, a Navy veteran, happens upon Miss Markham as she is walking up to Seavale Cottage. Among the other items Elizabeth forgot to account for were funds! She cannot pay anyone to drive her to her intended destination and so she must walk, carrying her light luggage as she goes. The Captain manages to convince her to accept him as her chauffer, but she is very put out by his assertion that Mrs. Brownhurst is away in Bath and will not be there to greet her. This anger turns to chagrin when Elizabeth discovers he is indeed correct and the cottage is locked up tight.
The Captain goes to the gardener, who opens the cottage while Elizabeth travels with Randall to his own hall so she can borrow his housekeeper, Mrs. Greystock. Soon the two women have the cottage set to rights and all is well, at least for now. But Elizabeth is going to have the cottage to herself for the night as Mrs. Greystock must leave to go home.
All is well as ends well, one would think, and Elizabeth does. Then strange sounds from the cellar wake her in the night, none of which she has heard on her previous stays in the cottage. She goes to check on the noises but finds nothing out of order in the cellar. There is a “sharp smell” which also isn’t natural to the house, but it fades quickly enough. How odd! But best to go back to bed all the same.
When Mrs. Greystock returns the next morning and hears of this midnight escapade, she becomes concerned and brings the matter to Captain Randall’s attention. Sharing his housekeeper’s worry, he subsequently comes to visit Elizabeth and inspect the place for her safety, though this irritates her. Still, when he suggests that she have Mrs. Greystock’s niece come over to stay as her housekeeper, Elizabeth agrees to the company and help.
But the strange sounds continue at odd times in the night over the coming weeks. What could be going on? Is Seavale haunted? If so by what or whom – and for what purpose?
The Characters
For all her faults, Elizabeth is a truly interesting character to follow. She tends to insist on having her own way and this can be annoying, but her independent spirit also enables her to take care of herself in ways a lesser woman wouldn’t, such as knowing when to accept help and demonstrating the courage to stay in Seavale Cottage despite the strange sounds in the night. While she may not like seeking help, that does not prevent her from recognizing when she needs it and then accepting it to get the job done.
Captain Randall is a very likeable hero for his good sense and willingness to act, even if he is a bit of a grump due to an old war injury. His practical knowledge makes up for Elizabeth’s shortfalls, and though he has a limp, he can still put up a good fight. Mrs. Greystock and her niece add a nice dash of social and sociable sense to the ensemble, keeping things running smoothly for Elizabeth and offering good advice when asked for it.
The World
The world is Regency England and all that entails, and the book takes a good look at the nitty-gritty of how the world actually worked in that time and place. Manners are also important and explained, letting everyone know what is expected of them and why. This view is practical and not one often seen in the genre, making the world of Seavale even more intriguing than it would be otherwise.
Politics
None.
Content Warning
None. This is a very PG-13 friendly Regency novel.
Who is it for?
Fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer will enjoy this book. It is short and quick but still fun and will offer anyone who wants a sweet romance exactly what they are seeking. The most forward moment in the story involves a couple holding hands, so anyone who wants a story that isn’t steamy will like this book. Cozy mystery enthusiasts will also enjoy it as Elizabeth seeks answers to the question of the strange sounds at Seavale. Meanwhile, romance readers and Regency romance lovers will have fun wondering just how soon Captain Randall and Miss Markham will decide to wed! There must be a wedding in their future, after all. This is the nineteenth century!
Why buy it?
It’s a quick, comfortable read that takes one to a time of refined manners and society. There is also the lure of romance and suspense. What’s not to like or want to read?