Marriage of Inconveni

This is the often repeated "marriage of convenience" storyline with a twist. The heroine (Penelope Mayes) is NOT going to marry the hero (Lord Cheselden) in name only but his nephew! Left penniless and homeless after her father died and jilted by her fiancé Alister, Penelope starts out for her new position as an instructor in a school. Along the way she is robbed, tries her hand as a barmaid, is propositioned and almost loses her virtue! Finally ending up under the kind auspices of Lord Chesenden's mother, Penny still insists on helping around the house - she does not want charity! When Lord Cheselden (Jack) returns home with his "left at the altar" nephew Clive Murray, they come to a unique decision. If Penny marries Clive, he will receive his inheritance and she will have the freedom of his name and wealth. The story continues along that line but as Penny remains as a family member, Jack falls in love with her. Penny also falls in love with Jack but these feelings are left hidden. Penny goes to London to prepare for the wedding ... and Alister appears again! How will this sort out in the end. Can Penny continue with this charade of a wedding? Of course the happy ending is achieved, but your heart strings are pulled when Jack thinks he will lose Penny to either his nephew or Alister. I enjoyed Penny's listmaking - what she did to calm her mind. Another Mansfield winner. Wonderful reading.