The Runaway Heiress

How in the world did I miss this author? While certain unmentionable authors are garnering all the press and writing prochronistic Regency drivel, this one is the real deal. Her eye for historical detail (she was a history teacher) seems quite good and her writing talent is light years ahead of the "popular" writers. Yes, it is about "the misunderstanding" which so many decry as overused but the author gives solid reasons why the two protagantists don't resolve it easily. The heroine was abused and thinks like a victim of abuse while the hero is a typical male (which means he doesn't think like a femaile, ladies), clueless at times and scrambling to get it right. I will be making it a point to read all of her published works based on this first entry.

In a desperate attempt to get away from her abuse relatives and the prospect of a forced marriage, Frances hides in the coach of the Marquis of Aldeborough. The drunken Marquis discovers the girl and mistakes her for a common kitchen wench. In his inebriated state, he makes advances towards her without the thought of any reprecussions. In the morning he is shocked to discover the girl is in fact a gentlewomen whom he unfortunately compromised by bringing her to his home. Frances wants nothing but to get to her relatives in London and beg for their assistance, certainly not to stay here with the Marquis and accept his ludicris marriage proposal. The Marquis sees no other option, he unwilling compromised the girl by having her unchaperoned in his presence for the night and will not besmirch his honor. Thus the only possible conclusion is marriage. Frances is vehemently against this and after many agruements and an attempted escape does she resign to her fate of marriage to the Marquis. This is only the first fifty pages, what follows involves a story of lies, attempted murder, jealously (LOTS!), betrayal and many interesting twists and turns. I liked this book, just didn't love it. I just couldn't love the Marquis or Frances for that matter. Their relationship was a bit cold and stayed that way till almost the very end. I actually would have rated the book 3 stars if not for the last 20 pages. The way they acted towards eachother gave me no indication that they were actually in love other than to state the fact in their own minds. Many of the actions of the H/H were not ones that one would ascribe to two people who were in love. They totally neglected to take into account on how the other party would interpret their actions. The loves scenes were lacking as well and I don't mean in frequency. They weren't described in detail enough and mostly lacked female satisfaction (this doesn't make any sense since the Marqius is supposed to be know as a great lover). Overall, I recommend the book. Not a great one, but worth reading.

How can you fall in love and not know it? According to Hugh the Marquis of Aldeborough and Miss Frances Hanwell it was easy. Hugh is living with a lot of guilt over the death of his beloved but rascally brother, Richard. He was a soldier brought home to take over the estates and welfare of his family. He has a younger brother, Matthew and sister, Juliet and of course an obnoxious mother who wishes to run everyone's lives. This leads to his immoderate indulgence of drink and a cynical attitude. Which of course leads to his introduction to Miss Frances Hanwell, the niece of one of his neighbors. Miss Frances, who is treated like a servant and poor relation receives abuse from her "guardian" uncle. She hopes to inherit a small pittance to live on when she attains her majority. Well one thing leads to another causing her to hide away in the Marquis carriage and to suffer his drunken advances. Oh yeah, a marriage of convenience is in the offing for one reason or another, [grin] you gotta hear their reasons! Marriage, danger, eventually the begetting of an heir and scars lead to a tale of Regency romance that is heart warming - intrigueing and oh yes, the scurvy villans - hilarious escapes and too much protection of female sensibilities and lack of communications that always lead to trouble. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - very enjoyable read with tender sex.