The Glass of Time by Michael Cox
Michael Cox is a name better known to English academics as an editor for Oxford University Press. A few years ago he finally wrote the novel that had been on his mind for a long time, and now he has produced a sequel.
But I read this sequel without any knowledge of the prior book and I am glad. The necessary information from the earlier novel was revealed as necessary, gently, even adding to the suspense for this new book.
This book opens in 1876 as 19 year old orphan Esperanza Gorst arrives to begin her new job as lady’s maid to the wealthy Baroness. However, right from the start of the book it is clear that she is no servant. Although very competent, she quickly changes position to become the paid companion to the Baroness. In between she catches the eye of the two sons, and even manages a brief engagement.
But Esperenza has been sent to Evenwood on a Grand Task of revenge by her guardian. This task is only gradually revealed in the contents of three letters, timed to allow Esperenza to play her role most convincingly. But is the Baroness or her solicitor wise to the girl. Certainly there is suspicion and even attempted murder.
This is a beautifully crafted novel. Around every corner is a delightful picture of mid-Victorian England. I kept thinking of the old TV series ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ as I was reading. But there is also a touch of Dickens in the scenes set in unsavory neighborhoods of London.
My only criticism is that I doubt very much that a single woman could have done what Esperenza did at this time in history. Cox has fallen into that very common trap for historical authors that places modern social customs and ideas into historical settings and expects them to work.
