1. Which was your favourite scene in the novel? What did you like about it?
2. Which character evoked the strongest reaction, either positive or negative? Why?
3. Alicia hates the way her mother manipulates people, but do you think she is guilty of manipulating people as well? eg persuading her mother to let her go to Mrs Montagu’s house by suggesting a worse alternative first.
4. Several times Alicia says something to Mr Merry that causes an abrupt negative reaction and yet the next time they meet, he acts as if it has never happened. Do you think Alicia should have confronted Mr Merry about this? What would you have done?
5. Mr Merry feels his mother always compares him unfavourably to his brother. What advice would you give to someone in this situation?
6. Joshua Hampton’s path to ruin starts with jealousy. The Duke’s son had everything he wanted, and Joshua did not feel that he deserved it. Do you have any sympathy with Joshua’s feelings?
7. When faced with a life-threatening situation during the Gordon Riots, Mr Merry was so afraid that he could not move to help the Duke’s son. Have you ever been in a frightening situation? Were you crippled with fear like Mr Merry or did you react differently?
8. Alicia feels she cannot marry someone who does not share her beliefs. How important do you think it is for a married couple to share the same spiritual outlook on life?
9. Lady Harting is an ambitious mother and tries to manipulate her sons. Lord Droxford obeys his mother’s wishes for a quiet life whereas Mr Merry faces conflict head on. Which brother are you more like?
10. What historical fact did you find most interesting? eg What the British Museum was like in 1789; what happened when the King first bathed in the sea in Weymouth; what Vauxhall Gardens were like.
