Well, abductions seemed to run in the family. Lady Charlotte
Carpenter was the second female relative of the Earl of
Worthington's to be kidnapped, which was fortunate in a twisted
sort of way, as Charlotte had been instructed as to how not to
be left entirely defenceless. On his way to see his mistress
Aimée, Constantine, the Marquis of Kenilworth, is accosted by
Worthington's butler and informed that Charlotte was kidnapped
a few moments ago. Worthington is a close friend of
Constantine's, besides even if it will ruin his plans, he
will not
suffer to see a woman in distress. Meanwhile, Charlotte has
pretty much dealt with her abductors on her own, and
Constantine's part will be to drive Charlotte home. Alas, while
chatting amiably on their way, a detail infuriates Charlotte
with dire consequences: the local gossip saw them riding home,
early in the morning, rumpled. Dreaded wedding bells loom ...
Most excellent, said she, clapping her hands in glee! THE
MARQUIS AND I is a brilliantly executed marriage-of-convenience
trope, and utterly irresistible from the first page until the
last. Ella Quinn is a stickler for historical accuracy and an
accomplished storyteller. With this book, she demonstrates
how one can craft a riveting story while adhering to the strict
Regency rules of propriety. Charlotte and Constantine like each
other right away, but their conflict results from their
opposite views they hold on the concept of mistresses and
prostitution. Charlotte knows how it really is, but Constantine
only thinks he does. Ms. Quinn weaves this dreadful social
concern into a riveting story, which led to immense growth from
both characters. The resolution to the conflict was simply
brilliant.
Charlotte and Constantine are both wonderfully developed
characters, very engaging, and so very unique that they defied
stereotypes. They were terrific separately and together; they
had wonderful chemistry and their road to romance was
believable every step of the way. There are also marvelous
secondary characters to be found. Aimée was fabulous, and I
would have wished to read even more about her, six year-old
Jemmy was another terrific character. There are some wonderful
little details, such as the hilarious improvised kitty litter
for Charlotte's cat.
THE MARQUIS AND I is flawless: the prose is divine, both
lush and airy; the dialogues are realistic and the language
was music to my ears; the syntax is exquisite, the idioms
and expressions spot-on. Constantine has a serious competitive
streak, he must marry Charlotte, he will marry her, and he will
do what it takes to make it happen. Those who are familiar with
my reviews know are critical I am of how this sort of situation
is dealt with most of the time, and I was overjoyed with how
Ms. Quinn handled it: this is how it's done, this is how you
treat a woman you like, this is how you behave with a woman you
respect! What a treat, what a joy, what a wonderful book! Ella
Quinn, you made me a very happy woman with THE MARQUIS AND I!
Trouble is no match for a lady of the extended Worthington
family—except when it comes in the form of a most irresistible
gentleman . . .
Lady Charlotte Carpenter’s brother-in-law has put an infamous
brothel owner out of business—yet it is Charlotte who suffers
the consequences. Abducted by thugs and held at an inn, she is
plotting her escape when she’s suddenly rescued by a dashing
gentleman. Only afterward does she realize she’s seen him
before—with two courtesans! Unwilling to tarry with such a man,
Charlotte makes her second escape. But it is too late to repair
her reputation . . .
A known gossip has spied Charlotte’s movements, and his report
is speeding through the rumor mill. Soon, everyone knows that
Charlotte spent the night with Constantine, Marquis of
Kenilworth. And everyone agrees the only answer is marriage—
including Constantine himself, his overjoyed mother—and his
mistress! But Charlotte’s abductors aren’t finished with her
yet. Now Constantine will do anything to protect the spirited
woman he loves and win her heart . . .