Thea's Marquis

This book interested me due to the many instances we see how society treated "cits" and impoverished gentry. The two romances that develop are not very strong but the characters themselves are fascinating. I knew there was at least one prequel to this and have since found out it is part of a trilogy. This book stands alone, but the storyline spoils any suspense the prequels might hold - (but typically you KNOW what will happen in a Regency novel anyway). Thea Kilmore (our heroine) a 25 year old spinster has languished in poverty in the country while her father and brother literally ran through all the money. Apparently the brother (Jason, Lord Kilmore) was less despicable (but not by much) and only lived above his means. Now that his father is dead and other schemes have fallen through, he has solved all their problems by marrying a wealthy heiress (Penelope) whose father was a lawyer. She has the means to bring the Dowager Lady Kilmore, Thea and the youngest Kilmore, Megan to London. When they finally arrive after some adventures on the road, they are not accepted into society and in fact are snubbed many times over because of a slightly unfashionable address and Lady Kilmore's lack of genealogy. Roderick, Lord Hazlewood and his cousin Mr. DeVine were met on the road to London when illness (motion sickness in Meg, morning sickness in Penny) had driven Thea to ask for assistance. Thea and her mother are very shy and the inability to relate to strangers made leaving the country difficult for both of them. I found Thea refreshing in her comments and observations which appear to be at odds with what society believed was correct behavior. Roderick finds her frankness enjoyable and he sets out to improve their reputations in the eyes of society. Megan is a little more outgoing and most of the book revolves around her triumphs in the "Little Season" and Thea overcoming her bashfulness. Believing Lord Hazlewood could never be interested romantically in her, Thea turns to him for advice and help in many instances. This makes him believe she only wants to further her family causes and that misunderstanding continues until the end. Danger in the form of Penny's villainous Uncle forces them to confess their real feelings. There is ongoing conflict between Lord Kilmore and his wife to resolve and a romance for Megan is almost thwarted by her hoydenish ways. Lord Hazlewood's relationship and breakup with his mistress of ten years was actually very sad but another example of society at that time. I can highly recommend reading this. Perhaps not a keeper but it kept my interest.