An Improper Duenna

This book was languishing on my bookshelf and I was not sure why I had originally purchased it but the previous review induced me to read it. The back cover does not describe the tempest that is contained within the pages. Sir Patrick is portrayed as a rather devil may care gentleman in pursuit of married women and a slight interest in marrying to produce an heir. That is of course the normal fare of a Regency novel. But we are privy to much of his thoughts and feelings and we are drawn into his psyche and understand why he became self-serving. Chloe Transome, our poor relation, is such a wonderful character. She has true backbone though she must hide much of her sparkle to keep her position. She has been shunted from various positions and now finds herself in charge of her cousin's daughter. Her life is rather wretched and deteriorates even lower towards the end of her employment with her cousin. The cousin, Lady Marchingham, is one nasty woman, jealous and spiteful. She wants her cake and eat it too and thinks she has pulled the wool over her rather staid husband Charles. She has numerous affairs, Sir Patrick being her latest interest. She invites him to her country home and as a cover he "courts" Marianne, Chloe's charge. But as Charles (who turns out to be one of the best secondary characters I ever read about!) thwarts his wife's plans to continue her affair with Sir Patrick, there is a definite twist when Sir Patrick realizes the charm that Chloe holds close. Lord Marchingham even helps the romance between Patrick and Chloe along. There were mild sensual interludes that one usually does not find in normal Regency novels but I found very tasteful and pertinent to the storyline. I will not go into the details of the story - you must read it - but I found it heart stopping with each turn of events. There is elation and depths of despair. Many wonderful secondary characters and there is more than one villain though some are wretched and pitiful indeed! This is full of angst and is not light-hearted at all. You will be kept wondering how a happy ending can be obtained - but as usual, it is. Great reading - obtain this book!

Sir Patrick Ramsay came to visit his married mistress Serena and her eligible young cousin, a possible candidate for the position of his wife. He never expected to be attracted to Chloe Transome, the chit's proper duenna, an aging spinster of 29 years. As they deal with their personal securities, the lovers are beset by jealous relatives, eager to destroy them.Get your hankies out for the denoument of this tale of two lonely people afraid to trust in love. This regency is not a sedate book of manners, expect lots of love scenes, witty and risque repartee and an emotional ride that will leave you sighing in satisfaction at the end.