Caroline discovers an unusual gazebo on the property of a rented cottage and, upon entering its back door, steps into 1817.  She immediately runs into Richard who looks exactly like her deceased husband.  Since she is without appropriate attire or money, Richard allows her to stay at the cottage where he and his ill mother live.  Since the gazebo has disappeared, Caroline finds herself trapped in the past but, while she waits for a the gazebo to reappear, she and Richard begin to know each other and form a close bond.  It seems they are both mathematicians and astronomers.  The situation becomes distressing when a jealous member of the household staff spreads spiteful rumors about Caroline and Richard.  When the gazebo reappears, Caroline must return to the future but Richard is prevented from returning with her though that he what he wishes he could do.  I will not spoil the ending but it wraps itself around a legend regarding The Lady of the Stars.

Time travels are wonderful and Lady of the Stars was no exception.  The unfolding of this story and the concept of the gazebo as the means to travel through time were intriguing.  Linda Banche created main characters that were both intelligent mathematicians and astronomers.  I wish I could have gotten to know a little more about Caroline and Richard, but short stories don’t allow such luxury.  Though the ending was a bit complicated and hard to follow, I found the story sweet and delightful.