A Cure for the Condition question

When I started writing "A Cure for the Condition", I didn't expect it to turn into a love story spanning two decades of a historical period.

But when I started writing, the characters took off. Which makes me want to ask the questions: What is it about historical love stories?

Is it the timeless love it inspires?
Is it the age-old "gentleman" aspect of the male characters?
Is it dangerous passion between two lovers that should never be together?

What inspires you to read Historical Fiction?