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The Daring Debutantes #4
Lucy: Edwardian Candlelight 12
She was a lady's maid who longed to be a lady. How else could Lucy Balfour hope to win the favor of Andrew, Viscount Harvey, the toast of the town, who seemed ready to take a bride at last? There was only one way to do and that was to command his attention. It seemed an impossible dream; first she had to become the peer of her own mistress, the coldly beautiful Lady Angela, who was determined to claim Andrew as her own.
But there was Hamish MacGregor, the wily old butler, who promised to make Lucy's dream come true. With Lucy's unaccountable good luck at baccarat, they could win a fortune. With his cunning, they would conquer London society as "father" and "daughter" and meet the king himself! Having served the rich, he knew how they operated and Hamish MacGregor was determined to beat them at their own game. And having met Andrew Harvey, Lucy Balfour determined she would never be a servant again.
But there was Hamish MacGregor, the wily old butler, who promised to make Lucy's dream come true. With Lucy's unaccountable good luck at baccarat, they could win a fortune. With his cunning, they would conquer London society as "father" and "daughter" and meet the king himself! Having served the rich, he knew how they operated and Hamish MacGregor was determined to beat them at their own game. And having met Andrew Harvey, Lucy Balfour determined she would never be a servant again.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1980
18 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Tremaine
16 books35 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Gibbons (née Chesney) was a Scottish writer of romance and mystery novels. Marion wrote her historical romances under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, as well as several pseudonyms ( Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward). Using the pseudonym M.C. Beaton she also wrote many popular mystery novels, most notably the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mystery series. Both of these book series have been adapted for TV. Because of her great success with mystery novels her publishers both in the U.S. and abroad began using the M.C. Beaton pseudonym for all of her novels.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Gibbons (née Chesney) was a Scottish writer of romance and mystery novels. Marion wrote her historical romances under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, as well as several pseudonyms ( Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward). Using the pseudonym M.C. Beaton she also wrote many popular mystery novels, most notably the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mystery series. Both of these book series have been adapted for TV. Because of her great success with mystery novels her publishers both in the U.S. and abroad began using the M.C. Beaton pseudonym for all of her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 16, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
With all the introspection, sly humor and audacity that I've come to appreciate from MC Beaton's books, Lucy delivers and fulfills my expectations and pads on a bit extra in some areas. Lucy Balfour is a rebel because she realizes she is not cut out to be a high level servant. A lady's maid was subjected to dehumanizing treatment by her mistress. It was shocking how little regard the titled women held for those that served them. But not surprising, really. The social classes in this historical era of Scotland are rigid, and employment was scarce and limited to service. As an underdog of the system, Lucy triumphed over the hardships she faced, and I cheered each time she succeeded. The old butler, Hamish MacGregor, becomes a friend, mentor, guardian and father to Lucy in every sense of the word. His sharp intellect and understanding of how the upper classes worked make him an important asset to Lucy's success. Hamish was my favorite supporting character with his own honor code. Had he been younger he would have kicked Andrew Harvey, (Lucy's amour), out of the picture quite soundly. Andrew Harvey did nothing to deserve a girl like Lucy and his only claim to fame was his social status and good looks.
Overall, what I appreciate about these books written by this amazing author is the historical accuracy, mores, and attitudes of the wealthy and servant classes. It is always thrilling to learn something new whenever I plunge into yet another series in these settings.
Strangely, I somehow checked this book out from the library by error so it is out of sequence and not the first book. It was enjoyable and proof that the Daring Debutantes series does not need to be read in sequence.
With all the introspection, sly humor and audacity that I've come to appreciate from MC Beaton's books, Lucy delivers and fulfills my expectations and pads on a bit extra in some areas. Lucy Balfour is a rebel because she realizes she is not cut out to be a high level servant. A lady's maid was subjected to dehumanizing treatment by her mistress. It was shocking how little regard the titled women held for those that served them. But not surprising, really. The social classes in this historical era of Scotland are rigid, and employment was scarce and limited to service. As an underdog of the system, Lucy triumphed over the hardships she faced, and I cheered each time she succeeded. The old butler, Hamish MacGregor, becomes a friend, mentor, guardian and father to Lucy in every sense of the word. His sharp intellect and understanding of how the upper classes worked make him an important asset to Lucy's success. Hamish was my favorite supporting character with his own honor code. Had he been younger he would have kicked Andrew Harvey, (Lucy's amour), out of the picture quite soundly. Andrew Harvey did nothing to deserve a girl like Lucy and his only claim to fame was his social status and good looks.
Overall, what I appreciate about these books written by this amazing author is the historical accuracy, mores, and attitudes of the wealthy and servant classes. It is always thrilling to learn something new whenever I plunge into yet another series in these settings.
Strangely, I somehow checked this book out from the library by error so it is out of sequence and not the first book. It was enjoyable and proof that the Daring Debutantes series does not need to be read in sequence.
August 9, 2024
As often in Marion Chesney's books, there was a subtle satire of the times (in this case the Edwardian era) and the upper class in the background. Through it, the sad, unfair aspects of that world were visible. The love story, which is "officially" the main plot of the book, is often the weakest addition for me. And so it was this time.
Chesney could afford to have such fun without worrying about the unrealistic plot, creating comic characters, and at the same time being a critic of the eras she chose as the background of her novels.
My favorite books by the author are those where the romance was more engaging than in this case. But it's also not the worst of those I've read so far. [2.5-3 stars]
Chesney could afford to have such fun without worrying about the unrealistic plot, creating comic characters, and at the same time being a critic of the eras she chose as the background of her novels.
My favorite books by the author are those where the romance was more engaging than in this case. But it's also not the worst of those I've read so far. [2.5-3 stars]
October 7, 2021
Lucy Balfour has been brought up by her parents to be a lady's maid during the Edwardian period in Great Britain. At first, she is happy about this new job. She is excited about her new position and is sure that her mistress, the beautiful Lady Angela, is going to be wonderful to work for. She learns fast that Lady Angela is not. Lucy also learns that she has gift in card playing...and so does Hamish McGregor, the head butler. Together they take the continent by storm, gambling and becoming very rich. Lucy becomes a debutante, all the while hiding her secret past from her love, Andrew.
I read this book over and over when I was in high school. I was super excited to find it again.
I read this book over and over when I was in high school. I was super excited to find it again.
July 4, 2024
I thought this book was delightful! If you are a fan of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, you will probably like this book. It is set during the Edwardian era, so it takes place some time between 1901 and 1910. Lucy Balfour is the daughter of servants to the Earl and Countess of Marysburgh. Her parents pay for French lessons and make her stay in school until she is sixteen (most of her friends left school at fourteen to marry or work), all so that she can obtain the position of personal lady's maid to Lady Angela Marysburgh, daughter of the aforementioned Earl and Countess. Lucy begins working for Lady Angela, who is very beautiful but who treats Lucy with indifference and a disregard for her feelings. Lucy meets and befriends the other upper servants, including the butler Hamish MacGregor. MacGregor discovers Lucy can't lose at baccarat and senses that she is dissatisfied with her role as lady's maid. He also senses Lucy is in love with Andrew Harvey, Viscount Harvey. So he comes up with a plan to save them both from their lives of drudgery. What follows is a delightful story with well-written characters. You can't help but hope that Lucy gets the happy ending she deserves. Marion Chesney, writing as Jennie Tremaine, does a wonderful job of keeping her reader entertained. I had many laugh out loud moments, particularly when she described the Countess of Marysburgh. If you come across this gem, grab it! You won't be disappointed.
April 1, 2013
Lucy Balfour has been appointed to a coveted job as a lady’s maid but she soon finds out that while the job may have a certain prestige amongst servants it is pretty well all work and no leisure. The butler at the house where she is working discovers Lucy has a talent for winning at cards and tempts her to run away and make both their fortunes at the casinos.
I was a little disappointed by this story and found it didn’t hold my attention as much as other books in this series. I enjoyed the way Edwardian society is portrayed and the story of Lucy and her skill at cards ought to have been entertaining but somehow it didn’t do it for me. Others may enjoy it and I shall still continue to read this author’s Edwardian romances.
I was a little disappointed by this story and found it didn’t hold my attention as much as other books in this series. I enjoyed the way Edwardian society is portrayed and the story of Lucy and her skill at cards ought to have been entertaining but somehow it didn’t do it for me. Others may enjoy it and I shall still continue to read this author’s Edwardian romances.
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March 14, 2020Made it about 43%. I dunno...Marion Chesney had some truly delightful books and this isn't one of them. Not much for character development, and so far the two protagonists have spent cumulatively about a page together. Yawn.
November 9, 2021
Not bad.
February 27, 2022
Lucy and a formal butler McGregor fool society and also Entice Lord (Viscount) Andrew Harvey. Baccarat gambling.
February 14, 2025
These books are fairly ridiculous but also just easy. They're a nice little break for me outside my norm. I like how short they are and all the narrators on the audio have been great.
Lucy is just a small town girl all jazzed to get her shot at being a lady's maid. After all, what more could a village girl like herself hope for? Then reality hits. The "lady" she's working for is the absolute worst. Lucy tries to do her best and accept her fate, but then there is the viscount. He's so handsome and will never look at a lowly girl like her.
The butler, Hamish, discovers that Lucy has a special talent - she can't lose at baccarat. At first it seems like beginners luck, but then Lucy just keeps winning. The cogs start turning in the wily Hamish's mind and he comes up with a plan. He and Lucy will pose as father and daughter and she'll win them the money they need to become one of the Ton.
Lucy turns him down at first, but she can't get the Viscount out of her mind and she finally gives in.
Lucy and the Viscount are not that exciting. I keep hoping that we'll meet another "Molly" in this series, but none of the female MCs have come close to matching her. My favorite part of the story was Hamish. He was also on top of things and so funny in how he handled things. There was one really fabulous scene at a seance that I loved.
I'll keep reading this series, just as a fun little side snack.
Lucy is just a small town girl all jazzed to get her shot at being a lady's maid. After all, what more could a village girl like herself hope for? Then reality hits. The "lady" she's working for is the absolute worst. Lucy tries to do her best and accept her fate, but then there is the viscount. He's so handsome and will never look at a lowly girl like her.
The butler, Hamish, discovers that Lucy has a special talent - she can't lose at baccarat. At first it seems like beginners luck, but then Lucy just keeps winning. The cogs start turning in the wily Hamish's mind and he comes up with a plan. He and Lucy will pose as father and daughter and she'll win them the money they need to become one of the Ton.
Lucy turns him down at first, but she can't get the Viscount out of her mind and she finally gives in.
Lucy and the Viscount are not that exciting. I keep hoping that we'll meet another "Molly" in this series, but none of the female MCs have come close to matching her. My favorite part of the story was Hamish. He was also on top of things and so funny in how he handled things. There was one really fabulous scene at a seance that I loved.
I'll keep reading this series, just as a fun little side snack.
March 21, 2018
This is an especially good read, with excellent characterization, even a bit of magic.
March 31, 2018
A fun fast read. It’s what you’d expect from a novel about a young servant turned debutant. Yet it was enjoyable and diverting.
September 19, 2018
Lucy- the eponymous, and her namesake, have a bit more depth than the average Beaton. The hero parachutes in from time to time, but Lucy and MacGregor are the story.
January 28, 2019
Reliably amusing silliness
February 18, 2015
Fun audiobook to listen to. Enjoyed the story.
April 28, 2016
Fun little fluff for when you don't want anything too serious.
April 22, 2017
Not bad.
August 9, 2018
I think these books are funny. But I also like how unrelated characters take care of each other.
September 23, 2021
One of Beaton's better. Goes on a bit too long, but a good read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews