This book is
exquisitely written of a time past as the war years approach and affect the
lives of the people who live at Rutherford Park. There is the story of Harry Cavendish and his
child, Cecilia, by a servant which he finds difficult to deal with. There is also the story of the servants and
especially Josh and Jack Armitage, father and son, who look after the horses,
especially Jack’s beloved horse, Wencelas.
Jack has also had a soft spot for Louisa, a daughter of the
house-hold. Louisa also featured in the
first book of Rutherford Park and nearly brought her parents to grief with her
impulsive actions when she was supposed to be staying with friends in London
for the Season.
The story is
particularly poignant as it also relates the tale, of Harrison, the footman,
who left to join the war effort without even informing His Lordhip, Lord Cavendish. This follows his exploits in France and in
particular in the trenches and mud of France.
He was so keen to leave Rutherford Park when he signed up but when he
was in France he would have given anything for the peace and calm of the
beautiful estate where he once lived and worked.
There is
much to commend in this book as politics, the war, tragedy and the lives of
ordinary people are swept along in a turmoil of events which occurred in the
earlier days of the First World War.
