Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath is the second book in the series called Miss Pretence’s Protégées. The novels follow Miss Pretence’s pupils that have been trained to be either a governess or a lady’s companion. Due to her diligence, her trainees are offered the best jobs for the most money. In this novel we meet Lottie Travers.
Lottie is a farm girl and knows this is the only route for her to get a job and maybe help her family. The rules are hard for her to learn as she is used to being able to be out and about riding like the wind. Unfortunately this does not fit the theme of decorum. This makes it hard for Miss Pretence to find her a job that she can keep, until she becomes a lady’s companion to a feisty older lady. The next thing she knows is she is in Kent helping plan a surprise birthday party for Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount of Wennington who wants nothing to do with parties or marrying or even people.
The novel’s escapades by Guy’s mother and aunt are rich. There is humor in the choices made and it is clear there is no escape for Guy or Lottie. Add in great horses, her family nearby and having to keep secrets and you have all the ingredients to a book full of shenanigans.
The novel reads quickly with all the various characters. Guy is being chased literally by debutantes demanding his attention with the intention of marrying him. (Guy actually hides in the stable at one point.) Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath is a good read.
