Helpful Score: 3
I have the blessing of having the most wonderful librarians in the world. They're always recommending interesting books that I would never have thought to pick up. This is one of the jewels. Dr. Barrett recommended it after she had read it; she gushed that it was quite the best Regency book she had ever read. I was intrigued, so I checked it out. And she was right. Mrs. South is brilliant. She is witty and writes a well-crafted romance. Nothing too formulaic and certainly worth the time.
Get ready to laugh and pull for the underdog, Ethan Brundy. He may be as rich as Croesus, but by leaving off his conversational 'h's,' he will always be known as a lower-class member. Now, imagine that this upstart wants to marry Lady Helen, the only daughter of a duke.
The Duke's coffers are so empty that he must listen to Ethan Brundy plead his case for the acid-tongued Lady Helen. She has run off most of the eligible males of her acquaintance because of her sharp tongue. Helen may be beautiful and titled, but she is a harpy. Since the Duke's son is too young to marry, he must marry off his daughter to get enough money to stay afloat.
What I liked was the balanced view of the Regency Period. Yes, there were balls and carriages, but there was also want and poverty. Lady Helen also married a commoner because her father insisted. She didn't have a choice. This was also part of the Regency Era.
Ethan is not accepted by polite society because he is in Trade. Ethan owns a fabric mill and has made wise investments. However, there is nothing he can do to become more accepted. Before long, the reader understands that Ethan didn't marry Helen to elevate himself; he genuinely loves Helen. Of course, cold-hearted Helen cannot believe her bad fortune. However, Ethan is in for the long haul. He doesn't push or prod Helen. That is what makes this story so delicious. This is a solid 4.5 stars.
The Duke's coffers are so empty that he must listen to Ethan Brundy plead his case for the acid-tongued Lady Helen. She has run off most of the eligible males of her acquaintance because of her sharp tongue. Helen may be beautiful and titled, but she is a harpy. Since the Duke's son is too young to marry, he must marry off his daughter to get enough money to stay afloat.
What I liked was the balanced view of the Regency Period. Yes, there were balls and carriages, but there was also want and poverty. Lady Helen also married a commoner because her father insisted. She didn't have a choice. This was also part of the Regency Era.
Ethan is not accepted by polite society because he is in Trade. Ethan owns a fabric mill and has made wise investments. However, there is nothing he can do to become more accepted. Before long, the reader understands that Ethan didn't marry Helen to elevate himself; he genuinely loves Helen. Of course, cold-hearted Helen cannot believe her bad fortune. However, Ethan is in for the long haul. He doesn't push or prod Helen. That is what makes this story so delicious. This is a solid 4.5 stars.
