While this is a shorter novel than many historicals coming in at 282 pages – it starts fast at The Battle of Waterloo and builds toward its ultimate conclusion in post-War years taking the reader on a journey of politics, social issues and rediscovered love. Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Mistress is Diane Gaston’s second book in her Three Soldiers series. It centers around Captain Allan Landon, who rescues an adventurous, independent Marian Pallant at the epic Battle of Waterloo. Injured Landon is tended by Marian, as they limp across the Belgian countryside trying to save themselves and others, forming a bond, respect and attraction typical of two people who have survived life-transforming situations together.

While the appeal and nobleness of Captain Landon is commendable, it felt like there was over-much concern on his behalf with Marian’s reputation, so much so, I had a difficult time believing that a man as seriously wounded as he - being nursed by a woman he is alone and hiding with - would actually be so concerned about her standing at that point. Enter the chivalrous aspect that is carried nicely throughout the book but I wonder if the ‘reputation’ aspect could have been toned down. In fairness, I am not versed in that particular era etiquette with officers and ladies, so perhaps that would have been a major concern even in life-and-death scenarios.

Readers come to know Marian Pallant and ‘Captain’ Allan Landon’s passion for each other, as well as his fellow veterans, and feel their confusion and pain as road blocks insert themselves into their relationship in the form of his commanding officer (her guardian) and son, who happens to be her cousin, the vile, manipulating drunkard Edwin Tranville. Just a few years after the battle, the estranged couple, are re-connected in London by fate and find themselves at odds as he works to enforce the Seditious Meetings Act of 1817 while she has secretly planned a peaceful march of former soldiers on Parliament to address their grievances.

The plot is well-done centering around and building on Waterloo and the ensuing years and struggles of soldiers and citizens on their behalf with enough machinations and anticipation to move things forward at a good pace. The secondary character development is very good especially that of Edwin Tranville, his father the General, loyal soldier Gabriel Deane and Marian’s companion, Blanche Nunn.

Regrettably, I had the sense that this book was the victim of excess-editing resulting in sections throughout the novel that felt stilted in dialogue and action at key times, pulling me out of the story, making me question what was said or the viability of the act but I chalked that up to some over-editing due to the shorter word count. While I expected formal dialogue and behavior during this time period, it was a bit off-putting and I felt, unrealistic to have any formal sentences during an intimate love scene.

Overall, I think the story was a satisfying read highlighting nicely, the struggles of both veterans and women in the early 19th century through Allan and Marian’s journey and I do anticipate reading her third novel in the series as we get to fully explore the story of Gabriel Deane. ~ Helena