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An Affair of Interest
Sydney Lattimore was sure her beautiful sister could capture the interest of a wealthy parti if they could finance their way to London with their grandfather’s half-pay and Sydney’s clever management. Viscount Mainwaring could scarcely believe the courage this little copper-haired sprite showed—and the outrageousness of her schemes. But he knew he had to keep her out of trouble. Regency Romance by Barbara Metzger; originally published by Fawcett Crest
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 24, 1991
43 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
103 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 5, 2018
Fate seldom makes an appointment.
In typical Metzger fashion, this book has hilarity down to a fine art. Watch out world! The very enterprising Sydney Lattimore is on a mission. She is determined to give her older, beautiful and far more demure sister the London Season she deserves in order to snatch up the worthy husband she deserves. That they have little to their name does not really deter her, for their name is a good name, and her sister is a diamond and thankfully God saw fit to give Sydney intellect to go with her mop of red hair. So she does what she does best - scheming. She plots her way from one rash money-making plan to another, but unfortunately, as Lord Mayne soon finds out, she lacks sense and caution when it comes to executing her enthusiastically fast-tracked plans. In an attempt to save the fireball of energy he nicknamed Mischief, the man previously known as staid and sensible is perpetually in danger of exploding into fits of temper; not to mention the danger to his physical well-being at every turn having been bruised, battered, nearly emasculated, poisoned and his cravat eschewed to the horror of his proper valet. And yet, he finds himself compelled to return again and again to save her unappreciative but well-formed behind.
The breath she did not know she was holding in the last hour or so whooshed out of her. Safe! Like dry land to a shipwrecked sailor, like a sip of water to a sundrenched jungle wanderer, rescue was at hand. Sydney almost jumped up and hugged her savior, until she got a better look at Lord Mayne's granite face and saw the whitened knuckles clenched around the rungs of her chair back. Like a shark to the shipwrecked sailor, like a tribe of cannibals to the soul lost in the jungle, some fates were worse than death.
The hero is great. He sweeps in to the rescue each and every time Sydney gets herself and those around her into strife, although he doesn't do it without vocally expressing his suitable annoyance at her fooleries. So what if he is slightly chauvinistic, but she does give him a bit of cause to be with her well-intentioned but ultimately not by any means fool-proof schemes. And there are fools abound also in the baddies following them around and trying to put as spoke in her wheels at every opportunity while in various disguises obtained from unfortunate Londoners who recently met their maker. It's all good clean fun and the author has such a superbly clever and humorous way of describing things.
In typical Metzger fashion, this book has hilarity down to a fine art. Watch out world! The very enterprising Sydney Lattimore is on a mission. She is determined to give her older, beautiful and far more demure sister the London Season she deserves in order to snatch up the worthy husband she deserves. That they have little to their name does not really deter her, for their name is a good name, and her sister is a diamond and thankfully God saw fit to give Sydney intellect to go with her mop of red hair. So she does what she does best - scheming. She plots her way from one rash money-making plan to another, but unfortunately, as Lord Mayne soon finds out, she lacks sense and caution when it comes to executing her enthusiastically fast-tracked plans. In an attempt to save the fireball of energy he nicknamed Mischief, the man previously known as staid and sensible is perpetually in danger of exploding into fits of temper; not to mention the danger to his physical well-being at every turn having been bruised, battered, nearly emasculated, poisoned and his cravat eschewed to the horror of his proper valet. And yet, he finds himself compelled to return again and again to save her unappreciative but well-formed behind.
The breath she did not know she was holding in the last hour or so whooshed out of her. Safe! Like dry land to a shipwrecked sailor, like a sip of water to a sundrenched jungle wanderer, rescue was at hand. Sydney almost jumped up and hugged her savior, until she got a better look at Lord Mayne's granite face and saw the whitened knuckles clenched around the rungs of her chair back. Like a shark to the shipwrecked sailor, like a tribe of cannibals to the soul lost in the jungle, some fates were worse than death.
The hero is great. He sweeps in to the rescue each and every time Sydney gets herself and those around her into strife, although he doesn't do it without vocally expressing his suitable annoyance at her fooleries. So what if he is slightly chauvinistic, but she does give him a bit of cause to be with her well-intentioned but ultimately not by any means fool-proof schemes. And there are fools abound also in the baddies following them around and trying to put as spoke in her wheels at every opportunity while in various disguises obtained from unfortunate Londoners who recently met their maker. It's all good clean fun and the author has such a superbly clever and humorous way of describing things.
June 4, 2019
4,5 rounded to 5
Another fun story by Mrs. Metzger! Forrest is an adorable Viscount and Sydney, aka Mischief is a deliciously daring heroine, full of hope, innocence and courage.
For her family, Mischief is capable of visiting a money-lender, a gaming hell and even a fist fight event. Forrest try to stay away but is pulled like a magnet to her energy and loyalty.
Very sweet!
Another fun story by Mrs. Metzger! Forrest is an adorable Viscount and Sydney, aka Mischief is a deliciously daring heroine, full of hope, innocence and courage.
For her family, Mischief is capable of visiting a money-lender, a gaming hell and even a fist fight event. Forrest try to stay away but is pulled like a magnet to her energy and loyalty.
Very sweet!
April 10, 2020
Very funny and adorable. Unlike other Regency romps that I've read, this one didn't annoy me to bits. I really liked the heroine, and the hero was ok too, after he got his head on right.
Safety
Safety
April 16, 2014
Miss Syndey Lattimore is managing her household on her grandfather's army half-pay pension. She has grand plans to take her sister Winnie to London for a Season where the beautiful Winnie will find a wealthy, devoted husband willing to care for the rest of the family. Sydney has saved some money from the household budget and from helping local farmers with their accounts. She plans to sacrifice her dowry as well. Syndey's ailing grandfather has no choice but to agree to the plan. Sydney didn't anticipate the expense of a Season not just for Winnie, but for her as well. She has to find money somewhere to tide them over until Winnie's suitor comes up to scratch. Forrest Mainwaring, Viscount Ware, ex-Navy officer wants nothing to do with women or marriage. Not to say that he's a monk but... he's seen enough of marriage to know that it's not for him. His parents are happily separated and enjoy throwing bits of crockery and china at each other whenever they meet. He's content to live in the Dower House with his one-eyed hunting dog while his mother and her awful, yappy Pekingese dogs live at Mayne Chance. Forrest's mother summons him to go to London and extract his brother Brennan from whatever scrape he's fallen into this time. His task leads him on a violent spree of dealing with cardsharps and the unscrupulous money lenders known as O. Randall and Associates. Just as Forrest has dealt with the money lenders, a female walks in. Forrest despairs of dealing with this woman, probably a dowager judging from her mourning. He tries politely to send her on her way but dash it all, the dowager is actually a young chit of a girl without sense or reason! Sydney is momentarily shocked at facing a half naked savage with knives and guns and blood everywhere, but she quickly regains her composure facing the supposed money lender with her usual stubbornness. Forrest is entirely undone by her red-gold curls, he has no choice but to give her 1000 pounds (which she tries to refuse) and kiss her! Syndey is able to hold her own and determined not to be beholden to the moneylender for anything! She concocts one new scheme after another and Forrest is always there chasing after her to save her reputation. Why he's going through so much trouble for a senseless girl he really doesn't know... Meanwhile, O. Randall and Associates plot their revenge.
This book features so many things I dislike: a silly young heroine, an alpha hero (when paired with a young heroine), blood, stock characters and some historical inaccuracies, but Barbara Metzger is such a skilled writer that I end up loving almost everything she writes just because it's funny. The plot is culled from the standard Regency canon, including some of her own novels, but she puts a unique spin on it by infusing the plot with her trademark screwball style. Sydney is crazy. She comes up with one harebrained scheme after another. She has the same idea as Frederica but she doesn't have a patron because her aunt is too cheap and has a daughter of her own to bring out. Sydney will not admit defeat nor can she really for her family really is desperately poor. I don't blame her for trying to find ways to help her family, but she went about it all wrong. She's constantly in a bumblebroth on the verge of ruining her reputation. Her exploits are crazy yet very very funny. Forrest is a Corinthian/rake/alpha hero. I don't like alpha heroes paired with young heroines. Forrest comes across as a misogynist in the beginning but he's also a rake and the two seem at odds with each other. He's constantly blowing up at Sydney for her antics and then kissing her. He's a good person at heart who cares for his family but I just didn't really warm up to him very much. With another heroine I think he could be delightful but I think he's too old and alpha for Sydney. The other characters are simple stock characters. Winnifred is Charis from Frederica, Brennan is a typical young man about town, Baron Scoville is the typical suitor and the villains are bumbling, cartoonish fools straight out of The Three Stooges. The Duke and Duchess are annoying with their constant arguing and throwing things, yet they began to appeal to me, first for the comedic aspect and then because I saw them for their true selves and how their son's personality came to develop.
First I'll talk about the negatives of this book. There are a few inaccuracies such as one big one involving a scheme of Sydney's that could never happen because it was scientifically impossible at that time. Also, Forrest asks Sydney to call him by his name which I don't think he would do. The romance didn't really do anything for me. Sydney needs a father not a husband. The secondary romance develops off page and very quickly so that it's hard to remember it's happening. There's a lot of kissing, innuendo and some sensuality in this book. It's not a whole lot more than in any of her other early books but it was a little more than sweet. The conclusion to the romance is not very satisfactory. I was hoping for a little more. I was disappointed the dogs were a part of the plot but not really characters. Nelson is dropped after his introduction and the Pekes are only in the background.
Now, for the positive. The writing is what makes this book so delightful and saves it from being a dud. I kept cringing waiting for Syndey's next bumblebroth yet laughing at her scrapes. I even laughed at the villains, who were meant to be funny rather than taken seriously. I had a hard time putting the book down, wondering what Sydney would do next and how it would all turn out. I like a good, screwball comedy story, especially before going to sleep at night. This one fit the bill. If you like her other books, you'll enjoy this one.
This book features so many things I dislike: a silly young heroine, an alpha hero (when paired with a young heroine), blood, stock characters and some historical inaccuracies, but Barbara Metzger is such a skilled writer that I end up loving almost everything she writes just because it's funny. The plot is culled from the standard Regency canon, including some of her own novels, but she puts a unique spin on it by infusing the plot with her trademark screwball style. Sydney is crazy. She comes up with one harebrained scheme after another. She has the same idea as Frederica but she doesn't have a patron because her aunt is too cheap and has a daughter of her own to bring out. Sydney will not admit defeat nor can she really for her family really is desperately poor. I don't blame her for trying to find ways to help her family, but she went about it all wrong. She's constantly in a bumblebroth on the verge of ruining her reputation. Her exploits are crazy yet very very funny. Forrest is a Corinthian/rake/alpha hero. I don't like alpha heroes paired with young heroines. Forrest comes across as a misogynist in the beginning but he's also a rake and the two seem at odds with each other. He's constantly blowing up at Sydney for her antics and then kissing her. He's a good person at heart who cares for his family but I just didn't really warm up to him very much. With another heroine I think he could be delightful but I think he's too old and alpha for Sydney. The other characters are simple stock characters. Winnifred is Charis from Frederica, Brennan is a typical young man about town, Baron Scoville is the typical suitor and the villains are bumbling, cartoonish fools straight out of The Three Stooges. The Duke and Duchess are annoying with their constant arguing and throwing things, yet they began to appeal to me, first for the comedic aspect and then because I saw them for their true selves and how their son's personality came to develop.
First I'll talk about the negatives of this book. There are a few inaccuracies such as one big one involving a scheme of Sydney's that could never happen because it was scientifically impossible at that time. Also, Forrest asks Sydney to call him by his name which I don't think he would do. The romance didn't really do anything for me. Sydney needs a father not a husband. The secondary romance develops off page and very quickly so that it's hard to remember it's happening. There's a lot of kissing, innuendo and some sensuality in this book. It's not a whole lot more than in any of her other early books but it was a little more than sweet. The conclusion to the romance is not very satisfactory. I was hoping for a little more. I was disappointed the dogs were a part of the plot but not really characters. Nelson is dropped after his introduction and the Pekes are only in the background.
Now, for the positive. The writing is what makes this book so delightful and saves it from being a dud. I kept cringing waiting for Syndey's next bumblebroth yet laughing at her scrapes. I even laughed at the villains, who were meant to be funny rather than taken seriously. I had a hard time putting the book down, wondering what Sydney would do next and how it would all turn out. I like a good, screwball comedy story, especially before going to sleep at night. This one fit the bill. If you like her other books, you'll enjoy this one.
January 7, 2013
I highly enjoyed this book! It's in the same vein as Arabella by Heyer but I actually liked this more. I never bought the romance in Arabella as he always felt too old for her. I bought it this time as there's great chemistry throughout.
Sure she's young and her schemes are silly, there are bumbling villians plotting extortion and mayhem and a whole cast of hot-headed characters - but this is a Barbara Metzger novel and outrageous is what she does best!
4.5 stars
Sure she's young and her schemes are silly, there are bumbling villians plotting extortion and mayhem and a whole cast of hot-headed characters - but this is a Barbara Metzger novel and outrageous is what she does best!
4.5 stars
November 28, 2013
Delightful, every time I read it!
July 20, 2014
This is exactly the sort I avoid - heroine acting on every stupid schemes she can come up with, hero rescruing her at every turns and falling in love with her despite her utter stupidity. I usually end up hating the heroine. But Metzger works wonders - she made me believe Sydney deserves HEA. That's something even Heyer failed at. I still can't point out just what about Sydney meets my approval, so it must be Metzger's writing that did the job(no, I don't imply Heyer failed because she can't write. I admire her writing, just not her characters). Maybe it's because Sydney is quite repentant, she's not so self righteous, her mistakes more acceptable(selling chocolate is not such a stupid idea, and it's not like the whole disaster is her fault), I had such a low expectation of her to begin with, etc., there could be numerous reasons, but they can't fully account for Sydney's inexplicable charms! As usual, humorous with interesting side characters, and what's more, for the first or second time, the main plot and the romance was well balanced and both leads were equally fleshed out(love Forrest!).
August 5, 2013
Again Barbara Metzger proves that one can write a Regency era romance that holds interest without resorting to soft porn. And also demonstrates that a rake CAN be reformed without morally compromising the lead female. This one had really interesting characters, a clever plot line and some of the most hilarious villains in a long time.
May 28, 2015
I've been reading too much Barbara Metzger, because now all the books start sounding the same. The screwball humor is starting to get on my nerves.
November 20, 2016
3.5 out of 5 stars
February 17, 2020
There are only a few Barbara Metzger's remaining on my "to read" list but this one is about the funniest so far. I loved it; the author carried the humor throughout the story, one madcap event after another.
Sydney Lattimore is a managing female; she has plotted and planned how to get the three of them (Sydney, her sister Winnie, and the "General," a war veteran) to London for a Season. Sydney is convinced that she can show off her beautiful sister and find her a wealthy husband, who will take care of the three of them. Syd has enough money to land the three in London, but not enough to keep them there.
The next time we see Syd, she has arrived at a London loanshark's office, hoping for a loan. Viscount Mainwaring is shocked by her outrageous plots and plans. He decides to give her the 1000 pounds she needs; Syd insists it is a loan. The viscount doesn't expect to see the little lady again. Hah. Before long, the viscount knows Sydney needs a keeper.
Metzger has outdone herself in describing Pekingese dogs as 'little rodents in fur coats.' I fell out of my chair laughing; I wasn't expecting such a wild description of such a sweet, tame breed of dog. There are chuckles on virtually every page; enjoy.
Sydney Lattimore is a managing female; she has plotted and planned how to get the three of them (Sydney, her sister Winnie, and the "General," a war veteran) to London for a Season. Sydney is convinced that she can show off her beautiful sister and find her a wealthy husband, who will take care of the three of them. Syd has enough money to land the three in London, but not enough to keep them there.
The next time we see Syd, she has arrived at a London loanshark's office, hoping for a loan. Viscount Mainwaring is shocked by her outrageous plots and plans. He decides to give her the 1000 pounds she needs; Syd insists it is a loan. The viscount doesn't expect to see the little lady again. Hah. Before long, the viscount knows Sydney needs a keeper.
Metzger has outdone herself in describing Pekingese dogs as 'little rodents in fur coats.' I fell out of my chair laughing; I wasn't expecting such a wild description of such a sweet, tame breed of dog. There are chuckles on virtually every page; enjoy.
November 13, 2025
I believe this book "jumped the shark" in a couple different places - the subplot with the chocolates might have been more delicately handled, along with the main hero Forrest, being mostly competent except when it's not convenient for the plot. The heroine is incompetent and competent in the same way with her bad choices as the vehicle for the plot. The mix of slapstick and fun doesn't hold together some of the time - I could see where the author wanted to go. I think with some heavy edits, and removal of some of the plot that strained credulity would have enriched the work. Sometimes less is more.
June 29, 2022
A Regency Romp and a Bewitching Heroine
Sydney wants only the best for her beautiful sister, but their family lacks money. She saves and manages to get her sister, her grandfather and herself to the Season in London but is then left without money again. She decides to get a moneylender to lend her what she needs and visits one at the same time Lord Mayne is visiting to straighten out his brother's finances. So begins a funny romp around London with a cool hero and a foolish heroine. I didn't know that Barbara Metzger was so funny.
Sydney wants only the best for her beautiful sister, but their family lacks money. She saves and manages to get her sister, her grandfather and herself to the Season in London but is then left without money again. She decides to get a moneylender to lend her what she needs and visits one at the same time Lord Mayne is visiting to straighten out his brother's finances. So begins a funny romp around London with a cool hero and a foolish heroine. I didn't know that Barbara Metzger was so funny.
June 21, 2022
This is perhaps one of the most entertaining story of this genre that I have come across so far. It uses several many of the usual tropes, but the sum total is absolutely hilarious. We have a young, intelligent and spunky heroine - spirited enough to devise outlandish (at least for the times!) schemes, and innocent enough to keep falling into scrapes. Then we have a stiff and sensible hero, who always ends up rescuing her. And add to the mix, a bunch of most comical villains. So what you end up with is a series of madcap adventures! The writing is very amusing, though by the end of this, the third book I read by this author, it kind of feels forced. The plot is a big hoot, and I found myself laughing out several times.
My first exposure to regency romance was through Georgette Heyer, and have only recently started exploring other authors. I am not sure if Heyer's interpretation of the language and mannerisms of the period are most authentic, but in comparison, the tone and and style of Metzger feels much more modern.
Where I certainly appreciate Metzger more is, that her heroines are much more enterprising. Sydney here shares some similarity with 'The Grand Sophy' and 'Frederica'. Like Frederica, she wants her sister to have a London season, but instead of appealing to a rich, distant relative, she tries to raise funds on her own. Like Sophy, she keeps on creating elaborate, outrageous schemes. Sophy is confident, worldy-wise, and backed by her father's support and resources, and most of her plans are prompted by doing what she believes is best for other people (meddling indeed). Whereas
Sydney had nothing going for her, and all her ideas are prompted by a desire to support her family. So, I definitely find Sidney most creditable of all.
My first exposure to regency romance was through Georgette Heyer, and have only recently started exploring other authors. I am not sure if Heyer's interpretation of the language and mannerisms of the period are most authentic, but in comparison, the tone and and style of Metzger feels much more modern.
Where I certainly appreciate Metzger more is, that her heroines are much more enterprising. Sydney here shares some similarity with 'The Grand Sophy' and 'Frederica'. Like Frederica, she wants her sister to have a London season, but instead of appealing to a rich, distant relative, she tries to raise funds on her own. Like Sophy, she keeps on creating elaborate, outrageous schemes. Sophy is confident, worldy-wise, and backed by her father's support and resources, and most of her plans are prompted by doing what she believes is best for other people (meddling indeed). Whereas
Sydney had nothing going for her, and all her ideas are prompted by a desire to support her family. So, I definitely find Sidney most creditable of all.
September 14, 2020
As I am writing a Lovecraftian take on Regency romance, I decided to revisit some of my favorites for inspiration. The chocolate fiasco stood out to me, and I managed to track this one down. It was as hard to put down as it was the first time around. Great fun. If you haven't read it yet, or are new to Barbara Metzger, this is definitely one to start.
July 19, 2017
I loved the inept robbers in their attempts to do just about anything. The romances were sweet but a little bland.
The description of clothing And surrounding s were very convincing ing. Characters likeable.
I would definitely recommend this book and author.
The description of clothing And surrounding s were very convincing ing. Characters likeable.
I would definitely recommend this book and author.
October 25, 2018
This was just so SILLY! I loved it, exactly what I needed, a light quick paced book that made me laugh out loud. The "hero" was a bit on the violently inclined side, he seemed to come up with plenty of detailed ways to kill the "heroine" but all in all a lark.
April 3, 2020
Zing, Zap, Zow! And they're off!,
What a great, tender, tough, tasty, tumultuous, tantalizing and gracious tale of tortured revenge-seekers, lonely hearts, mind-boggling wealth and destitute poverty!
What a great, tender, tough, tasty, tumultuous, tantalizing and gracious tale of tortured revenge-seekers, lonely hearts, mind-boggling wealth and destitute poverty!
February 14, 2025
Full of signature Metzger comedy and action, but a little lacking in romance. There was plenty of attraction and heart-fluttering rescues by the hero, but not enough actual falling in love. A fun romp, though, with a satisfying ending.
July 30, 2017
Hilarious! One of the Barbara's better woks.
April 13, 2019
entirely entertaining froth
especially secondary characters of parents duke and duchess
evil doers routed
happy ending
for Metzger quick fast bon bon
especially secondary characters of parents duke and duchess
evil doers routed
happy ending
for Metzger quick fast bon bon
April 17, 2019
The plot was ridiculous enough that I was able to wave off the heroine's far-fetched schemes as just part of the crazy and relax and appreciate the power imbalance kink.
June 21, 2019
2.5 stars. A boring hero and an childish airhead of a heroine. A book to read when there's nothing better to do and forget. There are better books of B. Metzger.
April 22, 2023
It was cute, but Sydney made me crazy.
March 24, 2024
This was maybe 4.5, but I was so happy to read a good story after the last few books, so I give this five stars. It was a cute story.
July 24, 2025
Barbara Metzger at her beyt
Humor..intrigue..romance... forget Bridgerton this should be a movie! What a fun read! 12 more words required More Words Read the book!!
Humor..intrigue..romance... forget Bridgerton this should be a movie! What a fun read! 12 more words required More Words Read the book!!
September 12, 2025
An adorable romp! Loved the characters! will definitely keep this one!
December 28, 2025
Hilarious romp
April 29, 2015
Probably closer to 4 stars but it was a fun ride. Incredibly far-fetched, very funny, often in a somewhat deadpan way, and full of Metzger's trademark charm. This falls into the female "led him a merry chase" madcap category. Good for a mood lift with all its dizzy silliness. Probably my second or third go round with this book.
Excerpts-
“He stroked his other granddaughter’s head again and said, “Aargh.”
Sydney covered his gnarled hand with her own. “Yes, Grandfather, I know you are fond of me too, even if I am no biddable miss. We’ll come about.”
The old man smiled, and Sydney couldn’t help feeling a trifle guilty that she liked him so much better now (after his stroke) than she did when he had all his faculties. He’d made their lives hell, and Mama’s, too, before she died, running the house like a military installation”
-----
“Randy was also well educated at Lord Whitlaw’s—unwitting—expense, thanks to Paddy’s fancy work with the estate books. Randy turned out to have his sire’s flair for figures. The crookeder the better.
Bella never had life so good, there in Ireland. For the first time in her life she did not have to work. Indeed, as the manager’s wife, she could lord it over the lesser employees and socialize far above her station. She had two sons with futures, a husband who provided well, a cozy kitchen all her own. And she owed everything to Lord Whitlaw.
So grateful was Bella, in fact, that she bore his lordship another child, another colorless, stringy left-hander. This child was a girl, who now plied a trade on the streets of Dublin, lest her mother’s heritage be forsaken.
Paddy was furious, but what could he do? His job paid too well to leave and his wife was too well liked by the boss to beat. Paddy took to drink. He also took more and more money out of Lord Whitlaw’s share of the estate and added it to his own account. Bella was better off, but not feeling as well blessed, with a surly, jug-bitten Irishman at her hearth.
Life went on. The children grew to young men and fallen woman. Bella grew stouter on her own cooking and Paddy grew meaner and the estate grew poorer, all of which may have contributed to his lordship’s less frequent visits.
When he did chance to come north one fall for the hunting, Paddy followed him closer than his shadow, waiting for Whitlaw to come near Bella. More for loyalty’s sake and the comfort of familiarity than anything else, Whitlaw did approach O’Toole’s wife. In the stables, in the back parlor, on the kitchen table. That last was too much for Paddy."
Excerpts-
“He stroked his other granddaughter’s head again and said, “Aargh.”
Sydney covered his gnarled hand with her own. “Yes, Grandfather, I know you are fond of me too, even if I am no biddable miss. We’ll come about.”
The old man smiled, and Sydney couldn’t help feeling a trifle guilty that she liked him so much better now (after his stroke) than she did when he had all his faculties. He’d made their lives hell, and Mama’s, too, before she died, running the house like a military installation”
-----
“Randy was also well educated at Lord Whitlaw’s—unwitting—expense, thanks to Paddy’s fancy work with the estate books. Randy turned out to have his sire’s flair for figures. The crookeder the better.
Bella never had life so good, there in Ireland. For the first time in her life she did not have to work. Indeed, as the manager’s wife, she could lord it over the lesser employees and socialize far above her station. She had two sons with futures, a husband who provided well, a cozy kitchen all her own. And she owed everything to Lord Whitlaw.
So grateful was Bella, in fact, that she bore his lordship another child, another colorless, stringy left-hander. This child was a girl, who now plied a trade on the streets of Dublin, lest her mother’s heritage be forsaken.
Paddy was furious, but what could he do? His job paid too well to leave and his wife was too well liked by the boss to beat. Paddy took to drink. He also took more and more money out of Lord Whitlaw’s share of the estate and added it to his own account. Bella was better off, but not feeling as well blessed, with a surly, jug-bitten Irishman at her hearth.
Life went on. The children grew to young men and fallen woman. Bella grew stouter on her own cooking and Paddy grew meaner and the estate grew poorer, all of which may have contributed to his lordship’s less frequent visits.
When he did chance to come north one fall for the hunting, Paddy followed him closer than his shadow, waiting for Whitlaw to come near Bella. More for loyalty’s sake and the comfort of familiarity than anything else, Whitlaw did approach O’Toole’s wife. In the stables, in the back parlor, on the kitchen table. That last was too much for Paddy."
February 17, 2014
Rating: 2.75 stars
This was a very witty book and I loved the plot, but the heroine started annoying me a quarter of the way through. Instead of being "clever", she struck me as rather gullible and reckless, even childish. By halfway, I wanted the hero to pull her over his knee and give her the spanking he kept threatening her with.
This was a very witty book and I loved the plot, but the heroine started annoying me a quarter of the way through. Instead of being "clever", she struck me as rather gullible and reckless, even childish. By halfway, I wanted the hero to pull her over his knee and give her the spanking he kept threatening her with.
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