This is the sterling truth shining as bright as any fancy British silverware. Rosing Park is the epitome of the grand life. This is the time when librarians like, Mr. Frank Burnett, had tons of materials to organize and gather for the home library. There is also a museum curator, Mr. John Adams, to establish the provenance of exquisite antiques. However, even the grandest of homes are not everlastingly ours to hold in our families. Un fortunate disasters slide in and slide out taking everything away.
This is only one of the setbacks the Harrison family must endure. There is the health of Dr. Harrison, the new life for Catherine and her daughter, Lilian. To get through it all there is always family tongues wagging, the ocassional journeys and of course, the blossoming of love.
Lilian is a fantastic character. Some of the ton might think she is quite the uppity one. When she visits her aunt Becky in London, she longs for the journey back home to quieter surroundings. In London, I will always remember her standing up to Captain Hastings. It is not unfit to think of Captain Hastings as very hasty indeed. However, Lilian handles him with control and grace.
I also liked Lady Ashton. She knows all there is to know about any person in London. If she does not know it, it is not worth knowing. She is a character. Lady Ashton is a leader. Others are followers. Becky and the others are all very happy if a little pearl from Lady Ashton's gown might fall in their soup. Aaah, wonderful. Catch the seed pearl, take it home and put it under your pillow. You have proof of a shared evening in the company of a lady.
There is so much going on in "Recollections of Rosing Park" by Rebecca Anne Collins. There is talk of Keats' Endymion, described as "such beauty and sadness." There is talk of Ben Jonson and Mr. Handel's Harmonious Blacksmith. Also, a play titled "School of Scandal" playing in Drury Lane.
Still, there is time to worry about John Adams. He's simply a mystery. No one knows about his family. God forbid, if he comes from a family of merchants. Well, as usual I can't stop. Rebecca Anne Collins fills every page with laughter, tears, lovelorn eyes, curiosity, unexpected letters and talk. Well, who can mind a bit of chatter when on the table there are bunches of cream roses and silver candlesticks? Yes, "Recollections of Rosings" is filled with all the beauty we deserve to experience. After all, beauty is what dries our tears and gives us thoughts of love tomorrow.
