Mrs. Merritt's Remorse

Lord Dere’s Dependents #2

by Christina Dudley

She’s determined to learn from her mistakes. He’s determined to marry a girl who’s never made any. What if love has lessons for them both?

Jane Merritt’s impulsive first marriage was a thoroughgoing disaster, so much so that she vowed she would never marry again. But when a young man in every respect the opposite of her first husband appears, she discovers her heart has a will of its own.

Philip Egerton has always known the plan for his take his Oxford degree, win a fellowship, and serve a curacy until he comes into the living promised by his uncle, at which time he will marry his uncle’s angelic ward. Certainly a woman such as the widowed Mrs. Merritt, with her spotty past, has no place in his vision. So why does she constantly obtrude upon it?

But an unreformed rake’s attentions to Jane might be just the right arrow in Cupid’s quiver to bring this match about…

♥♥♥Mrs. Merritt’s Remorse is a clean and wholesome traditional Regency romance, second in the Lord Dere’s Dependents series. Each book can be read as a standalone or in order.♥♥♥

Genres: Regency, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2025

About the author

Christina Hwang Dudley is the author of clean historical and contemporary romance.

Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.

In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.

Reviews

[Valancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not my favorite Christina Dudley story. It might even be my least favorite, but that’s not to say it isn’t worth reading. If you consider the context (I’m a big fan and immensely enjoy her books), this being the bottom rung on an exceptional ladder is not so alarming.

The writing itself is riveting. I found myself contemplating the characters outside of reading time, which is a rarity these days. Overall it’s entertaining and funny, so I would recommend it! It even offers a reminder that mistakes do not define us, redemption is possible, and perceiving a person as they are matters more than holding who they once were against them.

Unfortunately, my enjoyment was rivaled (and at times overshadowed, gasp!) by anger at Philip. He acts sanctimonious, maybe fairly so considering he is a curate. However, I did not find this attractive; in fact, at times he had me SEETHINGGG.

For example! After being acquainted with Jane briefly, he ponders her upright behavior but concludes that “redemption require[s] more than a few weeks.” Oho!OHOHOOOO!!! that made my blood boil. This man—this oft hypocritical, bland man—thinks he can pass judgment on Jane, who has been isolating and self-recriminating for the past 2+ years?!? Not. on. my. watch. Let me at him, LET ME AT HIM. (I would be slain instantly.)

Granted, Philip does grow: he eventually overcomes his own “blind and pitiless” tendencies, for which I give him credit. By that point in the book, however, there remained time enough for me to forgive him but not for that forgiveness to invite admiration. Frankly, I struggled to see why Jane loved him.

Many of the other characters were great. Jane and her family are all lovely, and Cassie is an icon. If Philip hadn’t been a main character and the love interest, this would’ve earned a higher rating. Like I said, though, I would still recommend it!

As a note, the romantic content doesn’t go beyond kisses. There are also two instances of SA (also confined to kisses) preceded by much unwanted attention.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first quarter or so of the book, I wondered if this was going to be that rare creature - a Dudley book that falls short of five stars. But no, as always she pulls it off with aplomb, and a little help with the happy ending from that most amiable of barons, Lord Dere.

Here’s the premise: in book 1, Barstow daughter Jane made a terrible mistake, by eloping to marry a man who was handsome and charming and everything that was desirable, but also unreliable. When his aunt, from whom he expected to inherit, cuts him off without a penny, he ends up in the Fleet debtors’ prison. Happily (I suppose) he died there, too, leaving Jane to return home a broken woman, widowed and disgraced. For two years, she’s hidden herself away at the Barstows’ grace-and-favour cottage, venturing forth only to church.

But then comes a change. The vicar needs to go away to recover his health, so he installs a temporary curate in his place, and wouldn’t you just know it, but Philip Egerton is handsome and vibrant, a thoroughly good man who’s everything that Jane’s husband wasn’t. The arrival of Philip and his sister Cassandra is the spark which gets Jane back into the world again, which is a good thing, and there’s an obvious spark of attraction between them, too. But frankly the early chapters, featuring a rash of coincidental encounters, sometimes literally bumping into each other and edging into outright farce, are all a bit too silly for me, and Philip comes across at this point as a bit of a sanctimonious twit (or ‘parsonish’, as one character calls him). Not a particularly appealing hero.

Fortunately, Jane is everything that’s endearing, and the Barstow family is its usual rumbustious and totally loyal self. Dudley writes wonderful families, and here’s another one which is a joy to be allowed to mingle with. And into this setting arrives a character who is not endearing at all, the irritating, flirtatious and entitled Mr Beck, who singles Jane out at once as the target of his tomfoolery, and it never once crosses his mind that his attentions might be unwelcome. After all, she’s a disgraced woman, so she’ll be grateful for any man who’ll have her, on whatever terms, won’t she?

Philip also has an alternative love interest, in the delectable person of the very beautiful Miss Hynde, only eighteen years old but featuring very firmly in his future plans. His fellowship from Oxford (achieved), a curacy (achieved), a living, in time, and then… marriage to Miss Hynde. And somehow, his self-knowledge not being very great, it never crosses his mind that his infatuation with Miss H is wearing off and a certain widow is featuring more prominently in his thoughts.

The two dance around each other for virtually the whole book, with the scoundrelly Mr Beck causing mayhem, and both Philip and Jane behaving with less than gentlemanly/ladylike restraint. There are some fun side characters (I love the gossipy Mrs Lamb at the inn!), Dudley’s trademark quotations on every chapter and thank heavens for a book that’s genuinely funny!

I must also add a modest paean of praise for the timid baron, Lord Dere, who appears to be thoroughly henpecked by his widowed sister-in-law, Mrs Markham Dere, but rises to the occasion beautifully when honour and justice demand it. He’s a bit of a plot device, parachuted in to resolve tricky problems, but I love the fact that he’s so different from the usual run of lords in Regencies, who tend to be arrogant, aggressive, randy or grumpy.

Everything is resolved satisfactorily at the end, albeit with another coincidence, but Dudley seems to specialise in those, so I won’t quibble. And I loved Philip’s explosion in the inn yard - a moment to savour. Another great read, highly literate and intelligent, and with (shock horror!) a bit of a moral to it, if lightly made. An excellent five stars.

[Emily Sanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I want to like this book due to the interesting family at the center, I cannot get past the many flaws. One key point at the center of the plot makes no sense: why can't Philip's uncle give his living to someone temporarily until Philip is fully qualified to hold it? In "Mansfield Park" this is what Sir Thomas planned to do for Edmund before he had to raise money by selling the living to Dr. Grant. Also, a man hosting a private ball at his home wears boots to the ball, instead of the shoes that gentlemen wore for dancing. There are multiple punctuation errors, a misspelled word, and a nonsensical sentence, among other typos. I also didn't like the many coincidences and the slapstick aspects. The author needs to know her era better and proofread more carefully. Two stars for the appealing Barstow family.

[Tayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is me maybe coming out of a reading slump, and what a delight to be interested in a written narrative again.

All that to say that this was a delightful read from a new to me author.

Following her scandalous elopement which ended up with debtors prison, Jane is determined to never marry again, to live a spotless life for the rest of her days and bring no further shame upon her family. She's constantly contending with people's low opinion of her due to her past actions however, and while she's mostly inured to it and takes it as her due, she finds herself especially sensitive to the opinions of the new curate Mr Philip Egerton.

Philip for his part has plans. He has plans to secure a living, to make a success of himself, and to eventually marry his uncle's ward who he views as a paragon of innocence and virtue. The plot trappings aren't especially important but I especially loved how Dudley introduced me to these characters. Their main motivations are character traits came through so clearly that they felt immediately known to me. Philip is a little self-righteous, but not mean-spirited. He's ambitious and driven. And I feel in another author's hands he might have come across as unlikeable and lacking self-awareness. But even before we see Philip through Jane's eyes he's still came across as a character I was happy to root for, especially knowing his world was likely about to be turned upside down.

Jane was especially delightful. She was an interesting character to read about also considering her set up. Years prior in her youth (although she's still only about 21 in this book) she had defied her father's advice and eloped with a ne'er doer which did not result in a happy ending. Returned to her family as a widow Jane spends two years wrapped up in her shame and remorse. At the outset of this book she finally peeks out of her shell after her self-exile and starts to try to reclaim a sort of life. It was interesting to see her navigate people's censure which while unfair was still somewhat earned. It was refreshing to see a character entirely own the consequences of their actions while still actively growing. She was so easy to like and root for.

In terms of the whole book I'll yada yada that I loved reading about this supportive family who go through thick and thin together, and I loved the full set of characters who all felt lived in and fully fleshed out.

And of course I enjoyed this pairing. The vast majority of this book was Jane nursing and trying to smother her crush on Philip and it was the most adorable thing ever. It was great that the book immediately presented us with the reasons Jane would be so thoroughly drawn to Philip with all his outward austerity, and their growing bond was soooo sweet even as they fumbled through the inexplicable nature of their pairing. Philip took a little (a lot) longer to be aware of his feelings, so it was fun to read this dissonance between his actions and his awareness.

I also thought it was nicely serviced that the foundational elements of the story wasn't abandoned for the sake of love. Philip starts of judging Jane because of her spotty past. Jane doesn't entertain the notion that Philip would ever have any kind of interest in her, because of her spotty past. And even as they draw closer to each other, this remains an issue for both parties.

I'm not sure why not 5 stars, so I'll just say my gut says 4.

Will deeeeefinitely be reading the rest of the series, unto book 3 next (then back to book 1 if that goes well, in classic chaotic fashion).

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming. I liked the slow change of both characters here. There was a lot to think about reputations, judgment, forgiveness…some nice depth here.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlikeable hero

This book has Christina dudley's good writing style and interesting characters, but it suffers from the same flaw as the first one in this series: the hero is not someone who you want the heroine to marry. He's not much of a catch, and he treats the heroine poorly. There's no reason for the 2 of them to be in love. No relationship building. I hope the rest in this serious don't turn out to be the same.

[Barbara Sachs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute ending...

...but a long, torturous time getting there!
Poor Jane. Having done something shameful myself in my youth, i counted myself lucky not to have had to endure the awful censure that hammered Jane at every turn in her village and in her own head. And then there was the odious Mrs. Dere, a nasty, judgmental snob I kept hoping would come to a bad end. How Jane stood it, I don't know because I would've been undone.

What made the reading even harder for me was the constant internal agonizing and repetition of it that dragged the story out to be far longer than it needed to be. I am so glad it's over.
I can't really recommend this novel, though, for the poor example it sets in word usage. Dudley can be a strong writer and then suddenly scrape her fingernails harshly down the blackboard to jar any educated reader right out of the story. She should never use names ending in "s" because her possessive case is incorrect. She forgets she's supposed to be a novelist and punctuates like a journalist instead.
Several times she used fiction's most worthless and dead question, "Are you all right?" Very weak.
And then there were the repeated wrong past tense forms of shrink (shrank, not shrunk), sink (sank, not sunk), and one other I've sadly forgotten.
Perhaps Dudley just needs a better editor.
Anyway, I enjoyed the first installment of this series despite similar errors. It moved along pleasantly and didn't bog down from so much repetitive maundering. But this one was near agony and bore no surprises. I kept waiting for the misunderstandings between Jane and her amour to be cleared up too but was sadly disappointed. I guess that's why I kept reading, to see if Dudley would finally address those key factors, but no.

[Rosanne Lortz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barstow family returns in the second installment of Lord Dere’s Dependents. Now two years into the future, this book features the second daughter Jane, repentant widow of Roger Merritt, who keeps to the family cottage in guilt and shame for her foolish past. But when a new curate and his sister arrive in the village, Jane finds herself attracted to a man who is the absolute opposite of her late husband. It’s clear that the curate Philip Egerton considers her a charity case, however, and one whom proper young ladies ought not to associate with.

Mr. Egerton is himself interested in a young, innocent, golden-haired heiress–not a brazen woman whose husband would die in prison at the Fleet. As a rake with a wandering eye enters their rural society, however, Mr. Egerton finds himself oddly possessive and protective of Jane Merritt. And Jane, cast back into society, tries her best to fend off illicit attention, cease her own self-flagellation, and somehow convince Mr. Egerton that she is worthy to be his wife.

True to form, this book features delightfully outrageous characters, an original and memorable plot, and dialogue designed to keep you giggling. Will other readers enjoy it? Here’s the catch: if you’re wanting to read a romance to get a new book boyfriend, this book is NOT it. (Philip Egerton–and I say this affectionately–is pretty much THE WORST.) But if you like a witty historical drama, replete with literary allusions, rife with ridiculous situations, and yet thoughtfully examining human nature, then this book is for you.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

heroine a bit annoying

Christina Dudley is a great writer. Her words flow effortlessly and another. I enjoyed the first in this series.
Though in this story I got quite annoyed with the heroines stupidity. In England at that time, all well brought up girls knew you never were alone in a room with a man. Jane having been a widow and trying too keep a spotless reputation and not having succumbed to the charms of Mr Beck, should not have been stupid enough to go into the library alone with him. She was a widow of a fool, she had lived in fleet, she didn't even like Mr Beck, she knew he was a rake! It was completely unbelievable that she could be willingly led to the library. Then later again to allow him another opportunity at her home! I was so annoyed reading of her continued foolishness. Of course none of that excuses Mr becks forcing his attentions on her, but really, she wasn't a green girl. She totally knew he was trying to seduce her and was expecting her to capitulate. Rudeness would have been appropriate.

Anyway I suppose that was the premise of Mr Egerton's downfall, those forced kisses.

Otherwise it was a cute read, but I prefer heroines to have at least some brains and not be idiots.

Butt it was a clean fun story in the end.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues with the story of Jane Merritt's rehabilitation within village society in Regency England. As a teenager, Jane had eloped with the dashing Roger Merritt who turned out to have feet of clay. When his wealthy great aunt cut him off for what she saw as an "unfortunate" marriage to a poor parson's daughter, he turned to gambling and drink, blaming Jane for their circumstances. Meanwhile, her family has been devastated by the death of her father and is almost as near penury as she herself. Enter a distnt relative of her mother who happens to be a country baron from the village of Iffley, near Oxford, with an offer of a cottage and a small stipend. When Jane's husband dies in Fleet Prison, she is returned to her family in disgrace. They welcome her lovingly, but the village, led by the baron's daughter-in-law, make her feel her disgrace every day. Jane goes nowhere but church on Sunday for nearly two years. Enter a new curate at the local parish and a London dandy who thinks Jane's tarnished reputation means he can prey on her without compunction. But Jane is more resilient and determined than anyone realizes and vows never to be taken advantage of again.

[Milica]

The title says a lot. The leading words are "Mrs. Merritt" which characterizes the poor lady as an extension of her wastrel husband whose best deed in life was his death. He should have been struck by lightning way earlier. Then, there's "remorse". It's not a learning experience or fickle fate. Poor Jane made a mistake and now has to atone for it .... forever? It must have been hard having a female existence in that period (or any period?). The title sums it all. Sadly, it also reflects the stance of the male protagonist who is intellectually and morally challenged - even beyond his vocation as a curate. His inner monologues are infuriating albeit logical and sensible for the era. The author did an excellent job fleshing him out. Alas, it's much easier to accept redemption from a hardened rake who accepts his romantic interest early on than it is to find a scintilla of understanding for this sanctimonious nincompoop. This realization interferes a tad with the entertainment value.

In summary, this is an original story with a flawed, but well written cast of characters. I wish there were more Lord Dere.

[Christin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute. So clever. So funny. I liked it immensely. Christina Dudley had so many funny little quips and asides in this one. I liked Mrs. Merritt. I liked Phillip. The only question I had: Mrs. Merritt seemed to like Phillip’s strength of character asap and’s I wasn’t quite sure because he was really condescending to her at first. It felt a little bit like her quick love for Roger but for the opposite kind of man? I liked how her feelings developed over time but I was still a bit mystified because they barely interacted. Where did she see his strong character at first? Either way, I still enjoyed it and it got there. More interactions came later. I really like Christina Dudley’s writing and think she’s one of the best in modern regencies. I’ll admit to finding the first of this series a little bit slow (still good though!) but this was back to her level!!

[Eunice Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Dudley writes unusual stories and this one is no different. Jane, a young widow, has been a recluse for the past two years due to the fact that she eloped and married a young man who had no money and they both ended up in debtors’ prison where he eventually died. She finally comes out of her seclusion when a new curate comes to her village. Unfortunately, he, Philip, is a very ambitious curate and he has planned his life out down to the last detail. He has already picked out his bride and he feels that she is as perfect as a bride can be. When this “perfect” girl comes to visit, things go awry, but not the way you would ever expect. That’s what makes this story so unusual and keeps you guessing right up to the end. I really enjoyed this book because I had no idea where it was going most of the time. It was a delight.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy Mrs. Merritt gets her hea. The hero had some growing to do and eventually he got there! I think this is why for some of the low reviews. The curate was a bit thick in the head, prideful, haughty and didn't give enough grace despite his sister and the priests' wife giving warning. However, he definetly had potential and wasn't bad. It was a funny scene when he got himself into trouble and then he finally realized how he'd been. I still liked him. The "reputation" the heroine had to overcome was I bet true to life historically. I enojyed the path the author took us on and it was another great read from her. She has her own style and it has the feel of the Georgette Heyer style which I love. All the additional characters and scenes really added to the story and helped pace it very well.

[June Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb Storytelling!

Mrs. Merritt's Remorse, by Christina Dudley, is a wonderful piece of the story teller's art! It is almost perfect for its genre, a Regency romance set in a small village rather than London. There is some humor in the story, and a great deal of pathos and a really sweet romance.
Jane Merritt was first introduced in the first book in the series, By His Grace and Favor, and finds a most unlikely romantic hero in the person of a handsome but rather priggish parson who undertakes a journey of both spiritual and romantic growth in the course of the book. And I do have to say that never did a heroine deserve her happily-ever-after more than Jane Merritt!

[Dianne Guyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Christina Dudley

Jane's story took me through all the emotions, from indignation at the continued humiliation and unfair treatment she endured, to the very happy and romantic resolution. A glorious romp full of hilarious events, witty conversation, painful misunderstandings, and fascinating characters, I had a hard time putting this book down, read till the wee hours of the morning. Christina Dudley has done it again! I look forward to the next installment of the series.

[Liza Buddenhagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Series

I loved this book and the previous one in this series. The author is really skilled at making up the most hilarious and entertaining scene
s and stories. These seem so much more real than the other romances I have read. Lord Dere is a dear; he's a sweet older man. I'm loving this series.

[Nancy Baker-krofft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming to terms with one's imperfections and learning we all fall short!

I so enjoyed this story of redemption and conflict, and how none of us do not have a rough side, even pastors! I was enthralled throughout to see what would happen next.
I am off to read Sarah's story next. I feel like I am part of this family now.

[Kotori · Rating 5 out of 5]

very sweet

Morals abound, but overall the tale is simple and sweet.
There was wit enough and well told
I prefer less humble or humbled mcs but if that's not your bias it's very proper

[Bruce L Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dudley is a queen of regency romance

I follow Dudley online and then devour everything she writes. She is a master of dialogue, wit, and clean darcy-hand clenching romantic interludes. The characters in this new series are a delight, I laughed, I almost cried and I swooned.

[S.K. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly delicious!

This one was especially great! I have read all of Christina Dudley’s regency novels, most of them twice. She is so clever and funny and her characters are so likable and human. I appreciate the historical accuracy and the elegance of her prose. Love her stories!

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive. Clever. Beautifully written. Witty.

I love the cover. The artist has not only captured Jane's beauty, but also her slightly apprehensive look, as though she constantly expects disapproval from every quarter. Christina Dudley's books are always 5+ stars for me.

[Mrs A Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

as always, superb!

Another truly excellent book, which I’ll read again over time. What characters Ms Dudley creates, and how well she draws her readers in, and makes them care about the family, as well as the protagonists.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!

I really enjoyed this book. I am so glad I found this author. I have read all her previous books/series and enjoyed them all so much! Now to anxiously await the next in the series.

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

(My 4 stars is probably your 5.) A Christina Dudley series is always worth your time. Here we find out what became of poor Mrs. Merritt, who struggles to see her own worth in light of her past, and how an uptight interim curate learns to really see her and abandons his well-planned future.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a certain pattern to Regency romances, and the reader always knows a happy ending awaits, but Christina Dudley always finds a clever and creative way to get to that happy ending. This was another fun read, and I await the next installment!

[Julia George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming Regency with both depth and humor. I've become quite fond of Christina Dudley's books. She throws her heroes and heroines into tough situations, and yet, they seem to have a perspective on the ups and downs of life that allows them to find the humor in human foibles - especially their own.

[Alicia Marsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful

Literate, entertaining, and clean,, with interesting characters, clever plotting, and occasionally a revery on the meaning of morals or life. Not Jane Austin, but a close second to Georgette Heyer:

[RCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My gosh. This book was so funny. From the hiccough scene onward, the end was spectacular.

It took me a little bit to get into the book because of the writing style, but once I acclimated, it was great. I love Dudley's writing in this book.

[ivy]

Philip’s character was so annoying. I didn’t appreciate the sudden epiphany of his care for her.