The Importance of Almack’s
by Denise Patrick
Published: July 2007
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1-59998-518-7
Reviewer: J R Hyatt





At twenty-three Pamela, intelligent, caring, compassionate and overworked, was still un-married. Ever since Lady Clarkdale, her mother, became gravely ill, Pamela's father and younger sister, Sheila, had shamelessly taken advantage of her, treating her more like a housekeeper than the mistress of the house. While out for a rare ride one morning, Pamela happens upon a young man who has been shot and left for dead. Knowing that her father did not trust strangers and would not have even an injured person in the house, Pamela makes him comfortable in the stable where his wound is treated, confiding only in her mother whom she knows will agree with her actions.

Kitt, the Lord of Kittridge, confirmed bachelor and a rake who believes that love is only a word and all women are untrustworthy, awakes to find an angel has saved his life. He is drawn to Pamela's natural warmth and generosity which soothes his cynical, world-weary soul. Except for his godmother, every other woman he has ever known only wants his money, and what they can get from him.

In tears, Pamela escapes the house one night to the only place Sheila will not follow her. Sheila, a beauty at eighteen, spoiled by her father and totally self-absorbed, had just been informed that their grandparents are sponsoring her for a Season in London. When Pamela should have had a Season unfortunate things kept occurring to prevent it from happening. Now her father expects her to remain at home and run the household. Her hopes are dashed. Entering the stables, Pamela finds her horse, Midas, her one possession that Sheila doesn't want, and buries her face in his neck. Kitt comes to investigate and comforts Pamela the only way he knows how. The next morning Pamela is confronted by her father about being seen kissing a stableboy. After a confrontation with Kitt, Maurice Clarkdale demands that Kitt leave and disowns Pamela, throwing her out of his house.

Denise Patrick has spun a highly enjoyable tale. Her characters are real and you can't help wanting to know what happens to them. At times I was smiling, teary-eyed, exasperated, and just a wee bit smug (cuz I figured out something that the character didn't know). Each page tantalizes you, revealing just a little bit more of the puzzle and at the same time creating new twists and sub-plots. I found The Importance of Almack’s a real page turner, once again forcing myself to go to bed only when my eyes became blurred and the words began swimming.

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