When I Met My Duchess

by Caroline Linden

Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex, believes he’s chosen the perfect bride… until he meets her sister and lightning strikes—literally! Now he’s the only member of society dreading the wedding of the season. Or is he? Cleo Barrows can’t fathom why her knees weaken every time the handsome duke approaches, or why her sister isn’t in the clouds at the prospect of marrying him. But the more often wedding plans throw Cleo and Gareth intimately together, the faster time is running out to turn the celebration of the summer into the scandal of the year. Originally published as part of At the Duke's Wedding. Republished here with a bonus epilogue.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Regency

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2013

About the author

Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University and worked as a programmer in the financial services industry before realizing writing fiction is much more exciting than writing code. Her books have won the NEC-RWA Readers' Choice Award, the JNRW Golden Leaf, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA's RITA Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England.

Sign up at http://www.carolinelinden.com/signup.... to get notified about her books and receive a free short story exclusively for subscribers.

Reviews

[Zero · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely lovely novella about two people who are drawn to each other but circumstances threaten to keep them apart.

Cleo eloped with a merchant when she was 17. Her parents were very disappointed in her, but she was still close with her sister, Helen. Years later, she is a widow who runs her own business. When Helen becomes engaged to a man she barely knows, Cleo goes along with the family to visit the fiance before the wedding.

Gareth wanted an impersonal engagement and marriage. His cousin, Mr. Blair, set up the engagement with Helen, and Gareth is ready to get things over with. But the second that he meets Cleo, he is enthralled by her. And everytime he is around her, she is all that he sees.

Also found in the "At the Duke's Wedding" anthology, but without the epilogue.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for something short and this was super enjoyable! There should be a whole subgenre of Regencies set only at house parties. So much potential for shenanigans! I read this as part of the Seven Wicked Nights anthology, so I was reading it basically as a stand alone and there are all these little glimpses of other couples and I was super into that. AND THEN I read at the end of that you can read all of those stories in the original anthology it was published in, At the Duke's Wedding. So I am excited for that!

Anyway, this was just nice and I liked that it touched on the heroine's suitability for the role of duchess beyond just they're in looooove. I like a bit of practicality in my love stories.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable (albeit a bit clichéd) and fun short story about a guy who realizes almost too late that he's about to marry the wrong woman.

[Ewa ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked :)
4.5 stars

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I Met My Duchess was an enjoyable read with a delightful romance about finding love where you least expect it.

Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex, has finally found the perfect bride and is looking forward to getting to know her more in the weeks preceding the wedding. On the day his betrothed’s family arrives at his estate, Gareth finds himself instantly smitten. But it’s with the wrong woman! Cleo Barrows, sister of the duke’s bride, is instantly charmed by the duke and doesn't understand her sister’s lack of excitement over the upcoming nuptials. As Cleo and Gareth are continuously thrown together, the pair struggle to fight their feelings needing to stop them before they turn the wedding of the season into a scandal.

Cleo and Gareth have an instant connection which is complicated by the fact that Gareth is betrothed to Cleo’s sister. Conversation between the two flows easily and they settle into some great playful banter which I really enjoyed. When the pair are alone, Gareth is able to open up more and Cleo is able to be herself when her parents aren’t watching her every move. My one complaint about their relationship was that there didn’t seem to be enough time for their relationship to truly develop. While this story takes place over the course of two weeks, a lot of that time is skipped and it’s mentioned the pair avoided each other during that time. I liked the way the author chose to settle the issue of being betrothed to the wrong sister and how the story ended.

Overall I enjoyed When I Met My Duchess and I’m looking forward to reading the other novellas connected to this one at some point in the future. I definitely recommend this story if you’re looking for a quick historical romance to read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this novella in the anthology "At the Duke's Wedding" and loved it. When a group of authors announced a $0.99 sale and I heard Caroline Linden had added an epilogue, I had to buy it. I'm so glad I did. It was a lovely evening's read and the epilogue was worth every penny! Since novellas are short, I hate to reveal any plot spoilers. I will say that Gareth, the Duke, didn't expect to love his chosen bride, but when he meets her sister sparks fly. What is he to do? Read it and find out. I can highly recommend this novella.

[Vero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short novella - nice historical, but not earth-shattering.

It had love at first sight. Which is never a favourite with me.

I guess with such a short lenght, the author doesn't have much other choice, but it still didn't make for good tension.

I liked the plot idea and I liked the cast.

But it was not so very special or original.

[Gilgamesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. The whole staid duke falling in love with an inappropriate widow was very endearing....the romance was definitely convincing. My only complain was the way the ending was handled with the cousin and the sister. I wish we got to read some pages about their story and why and how the fell in love. The rest was a cute story....and sweet escapism.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is an honourable Duke to do when he discovers that he has chosen the wrong bride? In this short but delightful Regency romance, star crossed lovers find themselves in the untenable situation of having to go through with a wedding that will only bring heartache and disappointment. Gareth's noble attitude towards duty and his intended reveals the true nature of his character, even at the expense of the love he feels for Cleo. She is already the black sheep of the family and despite her strong feelings for Gareth, Cleo would never do anything to hurt her sister. Cleo's social climbing, rapacious parents are a stumbling block, but when the dam bursts there is no holding them back from their viciousness. Although a fairly short novelette, one that can be read in an evening, it is nevertheless an enjoyable romance and comes to the right conclusion.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleopatra Barrows arrives at Kingstag Castle to attend the wedding of her sister Helen and Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex. She’s a widow that married for love and her parents can’t stomach that he was in trade, but they don’t mind the money her draper’s shop brings them. Gareth is sure he’s found the perfect bride and thinks that love will come later, and then he meets her sister Cleo. All of his careful plans go by the wayside the more he gets to know Cleo. And of course she must not have feelings for her dear sister’s husband to be, but no matter how hard she tries, Cleo has a hard time staying away from the fascinating duke. I always enjoy a conundrum where there are perfect couples but they have to figure out who they belong with and how they’re going to get there without anyone getting hurt, and this story was a lovely example of that.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely lighthearted romance with intriguing characters. Glad I found this one. Happy reading!

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers


The story was too light considering the subject, and the characters had no depth.

To elaborate, I found the hero likeable but not memorable, and the heroine hard to like. I hate how she was with the (they’re not actual quotes but they definitely accurately summarise her attitude)

“Oh, I have wicked thoughts about my sister’s fiancé, wicked little me!”

And the “Oh, I want my sister to be happy but I want me to be happy as well! I hope this wedding doesn’t happen, but oh, how wicked of me!”

And, of course the “Oh! I shall avoid him, but here we are spending so much time together, playing games, learning about each other, walking to the garden together way too often! Oh, I can’t believe I’m in love!”

What a load. She can claim all she wants that she didn’t encourage the situation but, let’s be honest, she did. I hate the victim, pour little me mentally when it doesn’t apply. And didn’t apply, I believe. She was practically flirting with him and then was claiming she wanted her sister to be happy. She was spending time with him when she knew her sister didn’t. She didn’t encourage him outright to spend more time with her sister (flirting about it doesn’t count) and she didn’t distance herself from him when it counted the most. (Yeah, two days before the wedding doesn’t count. It was again the “Poor little me” mentality which I found exhausting, considering it didn’t apply.)

She has some nerve. Nerve to screw her sister’s fiancé the moment she found out her sisters eloped with another. Actually the very moment she found out! She run to him, she didn’t even put both shoes on her feet, she had only one. Too ready, too eager. Of course, she said was worried her sister could be hurt or something but honestly she looks much more upset and sad, and worried(!) when her sister returned to apologise to the duke.

I know it wasn’t “wrong”, so to speak, considering she technically got with him when her sister left, but there was always an undertone of ego or victim mentality underneath all her sisterly affection. Plus for a heroine that says she “loves” someone all she ever admired was his physique. Hair, face, tall frame, whatever.

I’m not convinced. She loves her sister but she loves herself much more. Yes, the author tried to make her look self-sacrificing but her actions said something completely different.

I’m disappointed in her. So disappointed.

But this wouldn’t be an issue if the author could pull that off. And she didn’t. People will say ‘it’s a novella, what do you expect’ and I’d say I’ve read enough novellas and short stories to know it can be done by the right person. This author, I’m sorry to say it, wasn’t it.

[Xanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet novella, originally part of the anthology "At the Duke's Wedding". Duke wants a marriage without love, gets engaged to a pretty, reserved young woman, then meets her more vivacious sister. He's instantly lovestruck. Unraveling his knot of a betrothal causes problems due to the selfish parents of the sisters and his own honor. An enjoyable read, with an HEA for both sisters. A pretty common trope with the lively sister providing some interest, but the other characters were bland.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and sweet read.

Gareth is a duke and must marry in order to continue the family line. He has picked a lovely young lady, Helen. He knows nothing about her, but Helen and her family are staying at his castle for 2 weeks and then there will be a wedding. Gareth does not believe there is any reason to get emotionally involved with Helen. She is pretty, quiet and will not cause any embarrassment as his duchess.

Along with Helen and her disgusting parents, there is also her elder sister, Cleo. Cleo is a widow. Her late husband was a shop keeper and she loved him very much. Now, Cleo runs the draper’s shop alone. Her parents have never forgiven Cleo for marrying beneath their station. She is emotionally abused on a regular basis by her parents. But, they do accept money from her. Cleo paid for all of Helen’s wardrobe for this 2 week visit to the castle. Evidently her money is not an embarrassment.

Gareth is amazed at his reaction to Cleo. She is lovely. Most importantly, she is not shy and retiring. She has a sense of humor and adventure. She is nothing like what Gareth believed he wanted in a bride.

These two are drawn to one another. Cleo loves Helen and will not hurt her. Gareth is a man of honor. He will not do anything to cause a scandal.

But, the two of them cannot resist their strong attraction.

This is a sweet story. Everything works out as it should. There is a wonderful happily ever after.

The only thing that would have made it even better, would have been if Cleo’s and Helen’s parents had fallen into a deep ravine never to be seen again.

But, one can’t have everything.

Ms Linden has written a happy story. I thank her

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I Met My Duchess, by Caroline Linden, was originally published in January of 2014 as part of At The Duke's Wedding. Wedding was a compilation of stories by various authors. I'm glad Ms Linden made this novella available to me, it's been a short but enjoyable read. I rarely give 5 stars but I loved this story enough to cough up the additional star.

I adore this plot. The Duke of Wessex doesn't believe in love until lightening, literally, strikes when he meets Cleo Barrows. Unfortunately he's betrothed to her younger sister Helen. He's convinced, until he's not, that his brain was fried by the strike & he's going to be honorable about his commitment. He & Cleo spend the story trying to ignore each other, to no avail. In the meantime Helen is in love with the dukes cousin, James. They're also trying to avoid each other. Honor & duty abound and love smashes it all to pieces. The future in-laws are awful pieces of work, great love to hate couple. At 112 pages is short but packed with entertainment, there's even a bonus epilogue. Happy reading.

#CarolineLinden #WhenIMetMyDuchess #AtTheDuke'sWedding #historicalromance

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I Met My Duchess is a fabulous historical romance by Caroline Linden. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Linden has provided readers with a well-written book populated with a phenomenal cast of characters. Gareth is the Duke of Wessex and after meeting Helen, he had his cousin make the arrangements for their wedding. Cleo is a widow, shop owner and Helen's sister. There's plenty of drama, humor, spice and suspense in this story. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from Caroline Linden in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kamilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A história faz parte de uma antologia, e ultimamente, como eu prefiro histórias mais slow burning e focadas em desenvolvimento eu tenho evitado ler livros assim, mas como esse já estava na minha lista resolvi ler.

Apesar de poucas páginas para trabalhar, a autora consegue apresentar bem os seus personagens e as circunstâncias que moldam a vida de cada um.

Gostei bastante de Cleo, logo de cara, e Garett também me conquistou, o conflito dos dois entre amor e dever também foi bem trabalhado e deixou claro que os dois não são egoístas e nem imaturos.

No final tudo de resolveu de uma maneira que já era previsível desde as primeiras páginas do livro, mas foi gostoso ler mesmo assim, na verdade foi tão bom de ler que eu mantenho a minha opinião que os personagens conseguiriam sustentar um romance com o dobro de páginas.

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his bride to be Miss Helen Grey. He, his mother, his sisters, and his cousin were awaiting their arrival hoping they would get their before the rain started. They arrived in the last person out of the coach was Helen's sister Mrs. Cleopatra Barrows as she exited the carriage there was a loud explosion caused by lightning striking an oak tree. Gareth also felt like he had been struck by lightning on seeing Mrs. Barrows, it was love at first sight though he didn't realize it at first. Caroline Linden has written a book were four people discover love that they didn't expect to. Excellent read and you should read it...

[Kiranjot Bhullar]

Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex is delighted with himself for having chosen a pretty and agreeable wife, Helen Grey. A fortnight before the wedding Helen and her family comes to stay at the castle. When Gareth sees Cleopatra, Helen's sister for the first time, lightening strikes. Everyday becomes a hell for him. No longer pleased with his choice of wife, Gareth is praying for a miracle, for the wedding to be cancelled. He wants the wrong sister, for she is the right woman for him.
It is an average book. None of the characters are extraordinary. Infact, everything is quite ordinary.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex thinks he's chosen the perfect girl to be his Duchess until he meets her spunky widowed sister and finds himself enthralled. Cleo loves her sister Helen to death and longs for her to escape the clutches of her overbearing parents. The Duke of Wessex is the best person to make that happen. Can she subjugate her own desires and put the needs of Helen first or will she betray her and risk even more separation from her family who already dismiss her for eloped to marry a merchant rather than a peer.
Oh the Angst! Loved it. I feel like it might be a Novella where the other characters we met have their own books? Not sure, but that takes nothing away from the book itself.

[Julie C-F · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bit of a struggle to read on how they will stop marrying the wrong person but overall, I enjoyed this book. Cleo’s parents are 😒 and I have a feeling at the start about the other pair in the plot.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. One of those where I knew how it was going to end but wondered what path the author was going to take getting there. Nasty parents, they were definitely using their daughters, and punishing them, for their own aims.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific page-turner from start to finish. So well-written- I really enjoyed it, though I wish it had been longer.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely short romance. I would have loved to read more about Gareth and Cleo.

[Tully Books_Translations · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito fofo o conto, bem gostosa a leitura, típico história de amor à primeira vista, mas muito bem escrito. Amei.

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Really enjoyed this by a new author to me. This was originally part of an anthology which I will now have to get my hands on to read more of the other characters. Great stuff.

[between the covers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of "The Desires of a Duke" set.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. For me it was more of a novella and I wish it had been a little longer. It's still a good quick read.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was short and sweet.