A tastefully torrid romance in an early Victorian setting (1854), this book deals strongly with women's rights as well. Elisabeth was thoroughly trained by her father, a physician, but in Britain's restrictive society she is not allowed to be licensed due to being a woman. Then, along comes John, an American, who overcomes the barriers society erects and steals her heart despite a stiffly formal beginning. Then, he continues onward to discover the dual treasures of her luscious body and her mind. This book is a must read for all of those women (and men ) who believe that love and sex should be romantic even when explicit. Many period touches and references.