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Rothschild Trilogy #3
The Captain's Inheritance
Despite their different backgrounds, Lady Constantia Roworth loses her heart to Captain Frank Ingram, recuperating from his wounds at her father's estate, and is delighted when a surprise inheritance transforms the penniless soldier into an acceptable suitor.
251 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1994
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212 people want to read
About the author
Carola Dunn
91 books888 followersCarola Dunn is the author of more than 30 Regency romances, as well as 16 mysteries (the Daisy Dalrymple mystery series is set in England in the 1920s). Ms. Dunn was born and grew up in England, where she got a B.A. in Russian and French from Manchester University. She travelled as far as Fiji before returning to settle in California. After 30 years in the US, she says she still sounds as if she arrived a month ago.
Prior to writing, Ms. Dunn’s various jobs included market research, child-care, construction--from foundation trenches to roofing--and writing definitions for a dictionary of science and technology. She wrote her first novel in 1979, a Regency which she sold to Warner Books.
Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning. (www.belgravehouse.com)
Prior to writing, Ms. Dunn’s various jobs included market research, child-care, construction--from foundation trenches to roofing--and writing definitions for a dictionary of science and technology. She wrote her first novel in 1979, a Regency which she sold to Warner Books.
Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning. (www.belgravehouse.com)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 1, 2014
The first few chapters are carried over from the previous book. I wasn't sure whether this was a new book or one I had read before. When the story finally gets going, Lady Constantina Roworth is being badgered by her mother to go to London for the Season and find a suitable husband. Connie knows she can never ever marry for a childhood accident has left her scarred. She would much rather stay and care for the wounded Captain Frank Ingrham. He's an amusing companion and she enjoys badgering him to build up his strength. Frank enjoys the attentions of Lady Connie, maybe a little too much. At first he's too weak to really notice her beauty, but he likes her firm, yet gentle, manner of nursing. When Frank and his twin sister Fanny receive some shocking news, their lives change forever. Connie knows her brother is in love with Fanny and Frank sees Fanny has fallen in love with Felix. What are a devoted brother and sister to do? Help things along, of course. Frank and Fanny must go to Hampshire for a time and Felix, Connie and their little sister Vickie come along to help. Frank finds himself increasingly attracted to Connie. He knows he should send her away before it's too late, for he can never marry owing to his disfigurement. Fanny needs a friend though, so he's torn over what to do. Then they meet with a blustery villain who wants to ruin all they're working for.
Once the original story gets started the plot is nicely paced and enjoyable enough. It's extremely predictable and if Vickie hadn't been sent home, SHE would have known what was going on. The plot is probably a little too predictable and common but I especially like the development of the romance. Connie experiences a sensual awakening without being aware of what she's feeling. The author keeps it clean and the reader can infer what's happening from the way the relationship builds and what Connie is feeling. I really liked that approach. The ending is sweet.
The characters are well-suited to one another. Connie is sweet and a little shy but she's strong and brave. She's fiercely loyal to those she considers her friends and she longs to be free of her domineering mother. The only thing I didn't like about her was that she is such a nodcock when it comes to her scar. Frank is charming. He's witty and strong without being too overpowering. He's a good soldier because he knows how to treat the enemy with respect and consider all aspects of the situation without making a move.
The secondary characters add a lot of humor to the story. I especially liked hoydenish Vickie, a schoolroom miss with a love of gothic novels. Her plot seems tacked on and a bit unrealistic. Little Anita appears in this book as well, with a whole host of new Aunties and Uncles. She's a charming little girl who rolls with the punches yet fears losing those she loves the most. The Duke of Oxshott also adds to the humorous plot elements, though not on purpose from his point-of-view. The rest of his family are drawn from the Regency canon of secondary characters. They're all here and it sort of feels like Downton Abbey goes gothic.
Fans of Georgette Heyer's Cotillion will recognize Dolph. He's the exact same character with a different background. I don't really approve of plagiarism but I rather liked poor Dolph.
Another side note: The Squire's home is called Netherfield, though it's in Hampshire not Hertfordshire.
Once the original story gets started the plot is nicely paced and enjoyable enough. It's extremely predictable and if Vickie hadn't been sent home, SHE would have known what was going on. The plot is probably a little too predictable and common but I especially like the development of the romance. Connie experiences a sensual awakening without being aware of what she's feeling. The author keeps it clean and the reader can infer what's happening from the way the relationship builds and what Connie is feeling. I really liked that approach. The ending is sweet.
The characters are well-suited to one another. Connie is sweet and a little shy but she's strong and brave. She's fiercely loyal to those she considers her friends and she longs to be free of her domineering mother. The only thing I didn't like about her was that she is such a nodcock when it comes to her scar. Frank is charming. He's witty and strong without being too overpowering. He's a good soldier because he knows how to treat the enemy with respect and consider all aspects of the situation without making a move.
The secondary characters add a lot of humor to the story. I especially liked hoydenish Vickie, a schoolroom miss with a love of gothic novels. Her plot seems tacked on and a bit unrealistic. Little Anita appears in this book as well, with a whole host of new Aunties and Uncles. She's a charming little girl who rolls with the punches yet fears losing those she loves the most. The Duke of Oxshott also adds to the humorous plot elements, though not on purpose from his point-of-view. The rest of his family are drawn from the Regency canon of secondary characters. They're all here and it sort of feels like Downton Abbey goes gothic.
Fans of Georgette Heyer's Cotillion will recognize Dolph. He's the exact same character with a different background. I don't really approve of plagiarism but I rather liked poor Dolph.
Another side note: The Squire's home is called Netherfield, though it's in Hampshire not Hertfordshire.
March 16, 2013
Captain Ingram's Inheritance follows on from the two previous stories in this trilogy, Miss Jacobson's Journey and Lord Roworth's Reward. They are Regency romances in the traditional vein, but a bit more tongue in cheek than someone like Georgette Heyer. The best comparison would probably be with some of the Regency stories written by MC Beaton - if you like them, you'll love these.
English readers may know Carola Dunn from her Daisy Dalrymple books, but she is originally English and has written a fair number of regencies. It looks like most have only been published in the US, although they are available on Amazon as Kindle editions.
The three books are very much related and should be read in order to give you the bigger picture; this book and the previous volume very much cross over, almost like one story.
English readers may know Carola Dunn from her Daisy Dalrymple books, but she is originally English and has written a fair number of regencies. It looks like most have only been published in the US, although they are available on Amazon as Kindle editions.
The three books are very much related and should be read in order to give you the bigger picture; this book and the previous volume very much cross over, almost like one story.
May 22, 2022
3.5 stars. I read this immediately after reading the previous book in the series, but since there is a great deal of overlap, it is probably better to wait a little while between them. The Ingram twins have received an inheritance from their unknown grandfather, and go to take possession of it accompanied by Felix, Lord Roworth, and his sisters, Lady Constantia and Lady Victoria. Less serious than the previous books in the series, this is a bit of a romp, but also includes a minor mystery. Very enjoyable.
May 29, 2025
I quite enjoyed the book because I wanted to know what happened to all the characters, but I had some issues with it
1. The first 20% was basically a rehash of the end of book 2.
2. I would liked to have seen more of Miriam and Isaac and their involvement with the family.
3. The Westwoods never really seem to get any punishment for the revolting behaviour.
4. The ending was too sudden. Essentially, we’ve not really got to see the HEA for anyone other than Miriam and Isaac.
1. The first 20% was basically a rehash of the end of book 2.
2. I would liked to have seen more of Miriam and Isaac and their involvement with the family.
3. The Westwoods never really seem to get any punishment for the revolting behaviour.
4. The ending was too sudden. Essentially, we’ve not really got to see the HEA for anyone other than Miriam and Isaac.
March 10, 2021
Satisfying end of the series. Everyone winds up happy,well, except for the bad guy.
June 19, 2021
4.5
I was expecting maybe a bit more. Is a cute romantic book that I enjoyed. I liked Connie's personality and all the hilarious moments!
I was expecting maybe a bit more. Is a cute romantic book that I enjoyed. I liked Connie's personality and all the hilarious moments!
August 22, 2023
I really loved this one, but the whole trilogy was so good!
July 15, 2024
3.0 stars A light read. Very predictable.
January 30, 2016
I didn't realise that this was the last of a trilogy. It made no difference whatsoever to my enjoyment of it, Dunn's a good storyteller and all the information I needed was there, so that it didn't occur to me that I should have known anything more about the characters.
When Felix Roworth comes home from the wars, he has made his fortune and suddenly, his two sisters who have been rusticating genteelly, have the promise of seasons and husband-hunting. Unfortunately, the elder, Constantia, doesn't want any of it. She is, however, delighted that he has brought two friends to visit - Frank Ingram is a fellow officer, gravely wounded and is still slowly recovering, his twin sister Fanny has followed the drum all of her life. Felix's parents, Lord and Lady Westwood, disapprove, since the two are commoners, but Constantia and her younger sister Vickie are immediately taken with their new acquaintances, and it turns into a friendship which will open up lots of new opportunities for the two sisters.
Dunn's regency novels have a strong flavour of Georgette Heyer's, sharing all their wit and liveliness. In fact, next to Heyer, she is my favourite regency writer. Her books are slightly more untrammelled than Heyer's - she's less careful about minor anachronisms, for instance, but somehow one can forgive any niggles, because they are such fun. Especially, they have the same delicious romanticism about them and, indeed, very much the same formula. I have yet to find one that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.
When Felix Roworth comes home from the wars, he has made his fortune and suddenly, his two sisters who have been rusticating genteelly, have the promise of seasons and husband-hunting. Unfortunately, the elder, Constantia, doesn't want any of it. She is, however, delighted that he has brought two friends to visit - Frank Ingram is a fellow officer, gravely wounded and is still slowly recovering, his twin sister Fanny has followed the drum all of her life. Felix's parents, Lord and Lady Westwood, disapprove, since the two are commoners, but Constantia and her younger sister Vickie are immediately taken with their new acquaintances, and it turns into a friendship which will open up lots of new opportunities for the two sisters.
Dunn's regency novels have a strong flavour of Georgette Heyer's, sharing all their wit and liveliness. In fact, next to Heyer, she is my favourite regency writer. Her books are slightly more untrammelled than Heyer's - she's less careful about minor anachronisms, for instance, but somehow one can forgive any niggles, because they are such fun. Especially, they have the same delicious romanticism about them and, indeed, very much the same formula. I have yet to find one that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.
September 17, 2013
The final part of this enchanting trilogy and my favourite out of the bunch. The story starts towards the end of the previous book, retelling the events through the eyes of the brother and sister of that novel's hero and heroine. Frank Ingram has survived the war on the continent and is recuperating back in England, but believes that the scars on his chest will scare away any bride who has been able to look beyond his lack of connections and fortune. Then the family lawyer who has pursued him and his sister across France and Belgium finally catches up with them to reveal that they have been left a small fortune and two rundown estates by their mother's grandfather (a crotchety duke who had fallen out with all the relatives he'd seen in the past 20 years).
Frank and Fanny set off to visit their new properties, accompanied by Lord Rowarth (now engaged to Fanny) and his sisters, the elder of who would fall in love with Frank but fears that the scar she acquired falling from a tree when young will scare off all potential husbands. At their new properties, the pair and their friends encounter the new duke, who is determined to disprove their claim to the inheritance and his various relatives and other hangers-on. There's an entertaining mystery plot, the solution of which is fairly obvious to readers if not the characters, and everything gets wrapped up neatly at the end. Much fun.
Frank and Fanny set off to visit their new properties, accompanied by Lord Rowarth (now engaged to Fanny) and his sisters, the elder of who would fall in love with Frank but fears that the scar she acquired falling from a tree when young will scare off all potential husbands. At their new properties, the pair and their friends encounter the new duke, who is determined to disprove their claim to the inheritance and his various relatives and other hangers-on. There's an entertaining mystery plot, the solution of which is fairly obvious to readers if not the characters, and everything gets wrapped up neatly at the end. Much fun.
September 3, 2015
Review - I wish more had been made of the scars of Constantia and Frank, and I wish that the story had continued a little further after the end. Aside from those little things the novel was excellent, the best of the series. I loved Constantia and even after three books I still love Felix, and in particular his relationship with Fanny Ingram.
Genre? - Historical Fiction / Romance
Characters? - Frank Ingram / Fanny Ingram / Felix Roworth / Constantia Roworth / Vickie Roworth / Duke of Oxshott / Dolph, heir to Oxshott
Setting? - Nettledene & Upfield Grange (England)
Series? - Rothschild Trilogy #3
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 15/20
Genre? - Historical Fiction / Romance
Characters? - Frank Ingram / Fanny Ingram / Felix Roworth / Constantia Roworth / Vickie Roworth / Duke of Oxshott / Dolph, heir to Oxshott
Setting? - Nettledene & Upfield Grange (England)
Series? - Rothschild Trilogy #3
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 15/20
March 24, 2013
Captain Frank Ingram is recovering at the home of Lord Roworth, (some of this overlaps with the end of Lord Roworth's Reward but not a lot).
Frank finds that he and hi sister are the heirs to a fortune and 2 estates. Deciding to visit them Constantia and Victoria accompany, Frank Roworth and Fanny to their inheritance.
Connie and Frank were starting to fall in love at the end of the last book, this carries it on and involves a money grubbing Duke, a week Marquis various aunts and horrible relations.
Its a lovely romance and well worth keeping
Frank finds that he and hi sister are the heirs to a fortune and 2 estates. Deciding to visit them Constantia and Victoria accompany, Frank Roworth and Fanny to their inheritance.
Connie and Frank were starting to fall in love at the end of the last book, this carries it on and involves a money grubbing Duke, a week Marquis various aunts and horrible relations.
Its a lovely romance and well worth keeping
July 28, 2014
I have enjoyed all of Carola Dunn’s regency books I have read so far. They are a nice, quick, easy read and they have a Jane Austen feel to them. Each book is different enough from the others to feel fresh and her enjoyable writing style is consistent.
June 18, 2011
A highly improbably ending, but it was a fun read.
January 7, 2013
I like easy read romances!
July 22, 2013
Brilliant! the characters are great form Roworth's sister to the captain; they are vividly described, full of humour. I couldn't put it down! A real page-turner!
November 30, 2013
Always entertaining, but the characters' behaviour is even more unbelievable than usual.
June 27, 2016
Perfect way to end this very enjoyable series. I'm only sorry it's over.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews