Nothing ever goes as planned! Major Charles Draysmith had
plans for an illustrious military career with lots of
London fluff on the side. Now, with the unexpected deaths
of his brother and his wife, he is the Marquis of
Knightsdale, holding a position and title he definitely
didn't want.
Setting his priorities like military targets, his first
goal was to get a wife and settle the estate, so he could
get on with his life in London. Reaching the country home,
he was pleasantly surprised to find that the temporary
governess of his two nieces was none other than Emma
Peterson, his old "Shadow", a younger childhood admirer who
has blossomed into a shapely woman indeed. Faced with the
prospect of having to deal with the London ton and all
those mommas with their daughters of all shapes and sizes,
he thought that it would be brilliant to marry 26 year old
Emma and his eccentric Aunt Bea agreed as well.
In fact, almost everyone agreed it would be a perfect
match, except for the ton mammas and Emma herself. Yes,
her tummy fluttered when she saw him and she was close to
being an old maid, but no way was she going to marry for
practicality when she so desired to be in love! Only that
would cause her to leave her duty. Emma had always been
the caregiver, both for her younger sister, Meg, and her
poppa, the Vicar, since her mother died. How could she
leave them when her poor papa was being pursued by that
awful Harriet who never left leave him alone? Charmed as
she was by Charles, she knew he could turn it on with the
ladies and that it wasn't love. Besides, she still hadn't
really gotten to know the mysterious Mr. Stockley. Would
it be love with him?
Sally MacKenzie has written a book filled with steamy
dialogue and amusing repartee. It is little wonder Emma is
always blushing! What I especially liked was the strong
development of the secondary characters and insights into
their motivations. You will chuckle when Aunt Bea's
outrageous remarks go zinging and be totally delighted with
the antics of the Isabelle and Claire as they sneak their
way into Charles' heart and are determined to select their
new mama. The plot is well developed and while a bit
predictable, it has lots of interesting twists, little
mysteries and enough schemings to hold your attention.
Enjoy!
THE MAN IS PRACTICAL
As marriage proposals go, Charles Draysmith's suit is as
romantic as the
moors in December. Emma Peterson might be only a vicar's
daughter, and he
the new Marquis of Knightsdale, and perhaps he would
rather marry her
than endure the marriage mart. But when he suggests how
much he'll enjoy
securing an heir, well, a lady can only endure so much.
BUT THE LADY IS PASSIONATE
There's something about a woman throwing pottery at a man
that piques his
interest. Perhaps his proposal lacks grace, Charles thinks.
But it does seem a
perfect solution. He acquires a wife; his young charges have
the mother they so
desperately need, and Emma gains security and position. You
see? Simple.
Practical. Sensib-- oh no, not the ceramic dog... He will have
to confess the truth
to calm her down. And the truth is, he's madly in love...
© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy