This early book (1984) by Edith Layton is a charmer. It is a relatively short story, but readers will not feel rushed or short-changed. Our hero Morgan is an honorable man who finds out that someone is charging money about London, claiming to be Morgan's heir. Since Morgon does not spend time in London, shopkeepers lose money to a usurper. His man-of-business insists that Morgan make plans to determine an heir so they can put a stop to the usurper.
Of course, the easiest way Morgan could get an heir would be by marrying and having his own. However, Morgan barely survived the horrors of an ill-fated marriage. After his wife died in childbirth, he swore never to marry again. Thus, he invites the three maile cousins to see who would suit as his heir.
Owen, the youngest, is an obese child brought to Morgan's estate by his mother, Lady Isabel. Isabel is confident she can convince the Earl to marry her. However, she is sneaky and of relatively loose morals. Next, Richard comes from London and is quiet and withdrawn. He adds little to the group, and the reader wonders what is going on with him.
The third contestant is Anthony, a seventeen-year-old radical in his political leanings. Bonaparte is a personal favorite. An older cousin, Elizabeth, accompanies Anthony to keep him in line. Anthony's family assumed that the Earl was elderly and conservative (neither supposition was accurate). Hearing too many of Anthony's radical opinions could sink his branch of the family. This concern is essential because their uncle has beggared the family to afford the clothing and funds the pair need to make an appearance at the Earl's home.
Morgan's best friend is Lord Beverly (Bev), and he adds the lighter touches to the tale. He's about ten years older than Morgan and is often the mediator between Morgan and a guest. Bev likes to act put-upon, but he loves the intrigue. The reader will enjoy the lively tale and all the intrigue.
Of course, the easiest way Morgan could get an heir would be by marrying and having his own. However, Morgan barely survived the horrors of an ill-fated marriage. After his wife died in childbirth, he swore never to marry again. Thus, he invites the three maile cousins to see who would suit as his heir.
Owen, the youngest, is an obese child brought to Morgan's estate by his mother, Lady Isabel. Isabel is confident she can convince the Earl to marry her. However, she is sneaky and of relatively loose morals. Next, Richard comes from London and is quiet and withdrawn. He adds little to the group, and the reader wonders what is going on with him.
The third contestant is Anthony, a seventeen-year-old radical in his political leanings. Bonaparte is a personal favorite. An older cousin, Elizabeth, accompanies Anthony to keep him in line. Anthony's family assumed that the Earl was elderly and conservative (neither supposition was accurate). Hearing too many of Anthony's radical opinions could sink his branch of the family. This concern is essential because their uncle has beggared the family to afford the clothing and funds the pair need to make an appearance at the Earl's home.
Morgan's best friend is Lord Beverly (Bev), and he adds the lighter touches to the tale. He's about ten years older than Morgan and is often the mediator between Morgan and a guest. Bev likes to act put-upon, but he loves the intrigue. The reader will enjoy the lively tale and all the intrigue.
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