Colville of the Guards, Volume 1 (of 3)

"Colville of the Guards, Volume 1 (of 3)" by James Grant is a historical fiction set in the Scottish countryside, following two independent sisters, Mary and Ellinor Wellwood, as they face society's expectations and search for love. Living on their estate of Birkwoodbrae, the sisters encounter both opportunity and challenge in their rural lives, showing their character through their relationships with those around them and their social circles. Mary meets Captain Leslie Colville, whose existing engagement threatens the possibility of romance, while a visit from Lady Dunkeld introduces them to new social circles, causing them to consider the impact on their independence. The story balances themes of love, class, and the determination of the Wellwood sisters against detailed descriptions of the Scottish landscape, creating a rich and engaging narrative.