Leo Westrop is enduring scheming mamas pushing young misses in his direction since the death of his soldier cousin raised Leo’s status. Lillian Gower, sitting quietly in a grand house library, knows nothing of this, which is why she’s a good alternative. MARRY ME, MARQUESS starts during a ball when Leo states that he has an understanding with Lillian purely in order to escape another scheme. This isn’t gentlemanly of him and the two aren’t really acquainted, but they both love books. Lillian pretends she accepts.

I greatly enjoy a tale like this with rich details from the times. In 1798 there’s mention of battles, the revolt in Ireland, and the gossip of the Ton. Lillian is the daughter of respected antiquarians, as archaeologists are called at this time. Her parents are busy digging at Stonehenge while Lillian is left to chaperone her cousin, Hester, who is slightly simple but kind. Lillian wishes to become a botanist and is self-educated; she sketches dig sites and records rare flora. She wants to publish a book on the lady’s slipper orchid. Leo would love to be in charge of an excavation. As the new heir presumptive of the Marquess of Waringford, a senior gentleman with daughters, Leo has to take more notice of that estate and won’t have money for years.  

Given the series title Ladies Least Likely, we can see that author Misty Urban is concentrating on women who don’t fit the standardised behaviour of the day. I’m having fun imagining who else might fit that sobriquet – a suffragette, a courtesan, a college scholar, a rector’s daughter? Lillian is not welcome by Leo’s family, who don’t know that it’s a fake engagement. However, what most annoys me is that Lillian has a terrible self-image as she is constantly convinced that Leo is not the man for her because she doesn’t deserve anyone of standing. She thinks they are mutually useful but she will later say she is refusing his suit. All the while, the author is going to great trouble to show us how well-suited this pair is. Having them fall out just seems formulaic. 

I love the settings such as Stonehenge. Also, small birds, wildflowers, the mix of people from other countries and the friendly acceptance of good people by the rural locals. Grand houses, with building details, books and décor, are also well described. Misty Urban has done her homework with the highly unusual Regency tale MARRY ME, MARQUESS. This is a romance to savour.