THE GILT CAGE

In Baxter’s historical romance, a widowed aristocrat’s desire for independence clashes with a new love interest.

The young, widowed Isabel, the Marchioness of Axbridge, eschews all ambitions of remarriage; her late husband, an elderly marquess, left her with wealth, respectability, and the independence to do as she pleases. “Marriage is a ridiculous ambition for a woman who has attained some form of independence,” she feels. The blond-haired and blue-eyed Isabel now devotes her time to writing abolitionist pamphlets decrying slavery in England. “I think it is a disgrace that it continues,” she indignantly argues. The dark Mr. Drake and the handsome Marcus Bateman also support abolition, and both express admiration for Isabel. Meanwhile, the repugnant Mr. Wetherby, a known enslaver, accosts her at every turn. “How else are we meant to run our plantations without such labour?” he sneers. “Females have the most nonsensical ideas.” His lack of character (and his tendency to assault her) infuriates Isabel, who feels pressured to tolerate him in society. Meanwhile, Isabel must judge the integrity of her two other suitors, Mr. Drake and Mr. Bateman. Both have secrets, but only one of them tempts her to consider a love match. While the narrative takes the form of a Regency romance, the inclusion of issues like slavery and violence against women provokes reflection on modern society and adds to the depth of the story, which otherwise might focus on such activities as trimming hats with ribbon or donning beautiful dresses. Period references to the 19th century, such as the Caribbean sugar cane boycotts and the cotton trade, provide historically accurate context. Isabel’s status as a Methodist follower of John Wesley in a world where slavery connects with economic interests illustrates faith-based approaches to activism. But Isabel’s privileged position as a wealthy white woman unfortunately means that some passages involve the usual pitfalls of discussing Black experiences through a white lens. Still, Isabel’s sincere desire to make a difference in her world rings true.

An engaging, edifying Regency romance with a side of social conscience.