35th Anniversary Edition of The Latecomer
by Sarah Aldridge
Category: American fiction

The story of two women of unlike temperaments and differing backgrounds who come to recognize their love for each other. Coming home from a summer spent in research in Europe, Philippa unexpectedly shares her stateroom with Kay, a stranger. Philippa, nearing forty, reserved, inexperienced in close human relationships, and Kay, eight years younger, lively, gregarious, agonizing over a frustrated love affair, spend five days during their stormy Atlantic crossing learning the key to each others' natures. They believe that their arrival in New York harbor will end their brief friendship, but circumstance intervenes. They meet again in Washington, D.C., where Kay's lover's career has led to possible catastrophe for all involved. It is Philippa who must act as mediator for Kay ... hiding her own feelings to protect Kay's best interests. A love story set in the political turmoil of here and now, yet written with the romantic tone of yesterday.