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Pay Me Tomorrow
The improvident Laverhope family were in the worst financial straits that even they had ever been in, and the eldest daughter, Ismay, knew that the only thing that would save them would be her marriage to the richest man in the district, Keith Otterbury. But she also knew that Keith was one creditor who would not wait indefinitely for payment...
- GenresRomanceHarlequin Romance
189 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
52 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burchell
162 books84 followersIda Cook was born on 1904 at 37 Croft Avenue, Sunderland, England. With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook (1901), she attending the Duchess' School in Alnwick. Later the sisters took civil service jobs in London, and developed a passionate interest in opera. The sisters helped 29 jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida's writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honored as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel.
As Mary Burchell, she published more than 125 romance novels by Mills & Boon since 1936. She also wrote some western novels as James Keene in collaboration with the author Will Cook (aka Frank Peace). In 1950, Ida Cook wrote her autobiography: "We followed our stars". She helped to found the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was its president from 1966 to her death on December 22, 1986.
As Mary Burchell, she published more than 125 romance novels by Mills & Boon since 1936. She also wrote some western novels as James Keene in collaboration with the author Will Cook (aka Frank Peace). In 1950, Ida Cook wrote her autobiography: "We followed our stars". She helped to found the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was its president from 1966 to her death on December 22, 1986.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 19, 2019
This was a very lovely vintage read. It employs one of the most over-used tropes in modern harlequins which is the “marry for money to save the family” tropes. However, the treatment is way different from what we have come to expect nowadays.
No Alpha Jerky Heroness just because he doles out the dough.
No OTT lust betraying body syndromes
No slut shaming (how refreshing)
No big giant misunderstandings
No scheming relatives and
No OM/OW muddling up stuff
How could Mary Burchell ever come up with a story? But she does so beautifully, and in a somewhat lighthearted manner that leaves one satisfied and swooning.
The Hero is clearly besotted. He declares himself from the start, but the heroine does not believe in love at first sight so she thinks he is declaring himself lightly. He is known as the somewhat irresponsible rake of the county, therefore not to be taken seriously. He is all too happy to provide everything the heroine may need. It’s heartwarming that he likes to view himself as a true hero who rescues her from her plight. He is charming, amusing and always gentle with the heroine. She’s actually a bit of a ninny for always suspecting his true motivation.
Throughout the story she continues to disbelieve his protestations of affection. She also comes to see what entitled users some of her family members are. All too happy to live off the largesse of their new brother in law. The heroine is sweet and noble so she is distressed at their attitude. She tries to “pay” the Hero but he doesn’t want to accept her in gratitude.
It is only at the end when she comes to finally believe in him, that his generosity is motivated by his love for her, that her feelings for him change, although this is at the last pages of the book. And she comes to accept him, not in gratitude but truly as her knight in shining armor.
No Alpha Jerky Heroness just because he doles out the dough.
No OTT lust betraying body syndromes
No slut shaming (how refreshing)
No big giant misunderstandings
No scheming relatives and
No OM/OW muddling up stuff
How could Mary Burchell ever come up with a story? But she does so beautifully, and in a somewhat lighthearted manner that leaves one satisfied and swooning.
The Hero is clearly besotted. He declares himself from the start, but the heroine does not believe in love at first sight so she thinks he is declaring himself lightly. He is known as the somewhat irresponsible rake of the county, therefore not to be taken seriously. He is all too happy to provide everything the heroine may need. It’s heartwarming that he likes to view himself as a true hero who rescues her from her plight. He is charming, amusing and always gentle with the heroine. She’s actually a bit of a ninny for always suspecting his true motivation.
Throughout the story she continues to disbelieve his protestations of affection. She also comes to see what entitled users some of her family members are. All too happy to live off the largesse of their new brother in law. The heroine is sweet and noble so she is distressed at their attitude. She tries to “pay” the Hero but he doesn’t want to accept her in gratitude.
It is only at the end when she comes to finally believe in him, that his generosity is motivated by his love for her, that her feelings for him change, although this is at the last pages of the book. And she comes to accept him, not in gratitude but truly as her knight in shining armor.
September 6, 2017
The title to Mary Burchell's Pay Me Tomorrow refers to asking for something today with the idea that it will be paid for at another time. The response depends on the individual as Ismay Laverhope soon learned.
~~~~~
Thirteen-year-old Susan Laverhope paused in the doorway and waited for the right moment before making the announcement:
Ta da! "Aunt Georgina's dead."
The effect on her siblings was credible shock.
'The dreadful truth was that Great-Aunt Georgina had never given greater pleasure in her life then she did by dying.'
Mr. Laverhope had been told from childhood that he would be the sole recipient of his aunt's will. He had no reason to question this circumstance. So, in his younger days, he did a stint of acting while awaiting his aunt's death. Zilch! Then he married and had four children while he continued accruing debt. Zero! His wife eventually passed on and still nothing happened.
By then, it is the opening of the story and the three eldest, Ismay, Adrian and Avril, are now young adults. They had been aware of their father's dependence on an illusive dream. But they were ignorant of the amount of silent damage he added to the family's finances.
This story had a educating bit of romance tucked between folds of family drama. Mr. Laverhope was a dreamer who rarely took responsibility. The end result was a unique temperament and identity. Each of the siblings were different. Ismay, with all her critical judgments, almost paid a heavy price.
~~~~~
Thirteen-year-old Susan Laverhope paused in the doorway and waited for the right moment before making the announcement:
Ta da! "Aunt Georgina's dead."
The effect on her siblings was credible shock.
'The dreadful truth was that Great-Aunt Georgina had never given greater pleasure in her life then she did by dying.'
Mr. Laverhope had been told from childhood that he would be the sole recipient of his aunt's will. He had no reason to question this circumstance. So, in his younger days, he did a stint of acting while awaiting his aunt's death. Zilch! Then he married and had four children while he continued accruing debt. Zero! His wife eventually passed on and still nothing happened.
By then, it is the opening of the story and the three eldest, Ismay, Adrian and Avril, are now young adults. They had been aware of their father's dependence on an illusive dream. But they were ignorant of the amount of silent damage he added to the family's finances.
This story had a educating bit of romance tucked between folds of family drama. Mr. Laverhope was a dreamer who rarely took responsibility. The end result was a unique temperament and identity. Each of the siblings were different. Ismay, with all her critical judgments, almost paid a heavy price.
March 29, 2020
I usually like Mary Burchell but this book sucked. I didn't like the heroine of her sister Avril or her Father but I did like the hero and the brother Adrian. The heroine married the hero for money but then would not consummate the marriage. The hero did love her but he thought he'd never get her so he had other women. But I didn't care. The heroine was a snot. I just didn't like it I don't think they ever kissed in the book either. He gave all, she gave none. Her family was so money hungry it sucked and then at 99% she decided wait I do love him. Bah humbug. Not a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2023
Why did I read this? Because it was published the same year as Georgette Heyer’s The Corinthian. A very random connection, but that’s what my thought pattern was. This book is quite simply pulp romance. It has some characters that stole my heart, and that is what makes it good pulp romance. Adrian was so solid, and I found myself rooting for him for the five minutes he starred as a side character. Would honestly read it all again just for him. The main characters were kinda cute, not gonna lie. And something about the way the author approached their relationship was really refreshing. So, in conclusion, this is not great literature but it is a fun read.
May 31, 2008
Pay Me Tomorrow is a sweet romance about a girl that agrees to marry a man for his money. She marries Keith because she wants to help her family, who are in financial ruin. I really enjoyed reading this one. It is one that I will probably read over again in the future.
I like reading these romance novels. They are light and fun, no sex and the characters all have a innocence that is endearing. I also really like Mary Burchell.
I like reading these romance novels. They are light and fun, no sex and the characters all have a innocence that is endearing. I also really like Mary Burchell.
April 6, 2025
I love this book. It was written in 1940- that's 85 years ago as of this writing! The language and writing style are definitely of the period, but it is accessible to the modern reader. The story is set in an English village. Ismay Laverhope, one of the beautiful, flighty and penurious Laverhope family (widowed father, sisters Ismay, Avril and Susan and brother Adrian) marries her neighbor Keith Otterbury for his money but also to prevent her sister Avril from ruining herself. Ismay's father, a profligate and pompous if lovable spendthrift, has been counting on an inheritance from an aunt to save the family's fortunes. But she meanly leaves it all elsewhere and with no other way to pay her tuition, Avril decides she will become Keith's mistress so he will send her to art school in France. To save her sister's reputation and the family from disgrace, Ismay marries Keith herself since he tells her he has loved her ever since he met her a few years before. He offers to rescue the family by settling their debts and underwriting the siblings' educations. But Keith has a reputation in the village of being a rake and is not quite accepted. He is actually kind, honorable and would very much like to be someone's hero. He admits to cherishing fantasies about saving those he loves from unspeakable situations. With Ismay, he not only gets to be her hero, but he genuinely and truly loves her. But she doesn't quite trust him because of his bad reputation and she is more than a little distressed with herself for marrying him for money when she doesn't love him. She refuses to consummate the marriage and he tells her he should have known since the Laverhopes are known for not keeping their promises.
It was unclear to me why exactly Keith has a bad reputation, especially when he's really a pretty stand-up guy. Is it because he was involved with other women during the time Ismay wouldn't give him the time of day? This is alluded to but does it explain why the village looks at him askance?
Regardless, the book is charming, witty and very enjoyable. I loved the love story. I enjoyed seeing which of the Laverhopes displays honor and pride, and which ones come across as more than a little sociopathic. I thought the ending was too abrupt. It would have benefited from a bit more time spent in Ismay's head after she realizes she loves Keith, especially since he has been very open about his own feelings from the start.
It was unclear to me why exactly Keith has a bad reputation, especially when he's really a pretty stand-up guy. Is it because he was involved with other women during the time Ismay wouldn't give him the time of day? This is alluded to but does it explain why the village looks at him askance?
Regardless, the book is charming, witty and very enjoyable. I loved the love story. I enjoyed seeing which of the Laverhopes displays honor and pride, and which ones come across as more than a little sociopathic. I thought the ending was too abrupt. It would have benefited from a bit more time spent in Ismay's head after she realizes she loves Keith, especially since he has been very open about his own feelings from the start.
May 20, 2025
Mary Burchell and her sister saved Jews from the Nazis during World War II, funded largely by her writing. She wrote novels from 1936 to 1985, an incredible span. She was my favorite romance writer when I discovered romance novels in my teens. I've been rereading and reviewing a box of her books that I kept.
Pay Me Tomorrow is one of her most interesting. We meet the Laverhope family - four beautiful young adults with charm and grace and no money. Their father has been waiting his whole life to inherit his aunt's fortune, and they are all lazy layabouts because of this expectation. Then the old and unloved aunt finally dies - and leaves her money to charity. What are the Laverhopes to do? At this point in a vintage Harlequin Romance one expects a plucky but virtuous poor relation to enter the story and make off with the rich, handsome, misunderstood man who lives across the fields from the Laverhopes.
But no, the heroine is one of the Laverhopes. Ismay herself describes her family as "a raffish set of scroungers." Ismay's younger sister hints that she is going to run away with Keith, the rich neighbor, "the usual thing," so she can study art in Italy. Ismay goes to plead with Keith not to ruin her sister. (This romance was originally published in 1940.)
Keith confesses his love for Ismay, although they've only met a few times, and offers to marry her instead of taking her sister as his mistress. Although Ismay originally turns him down, when the family's finances take a turn for the worse she agrees to marry him.
The characters and their relationships are quite unusual for a genre romance. This is a delightful vintage romance and one of my favorite books by Mary Burchell.
Pay Me Tomorrow is one of her most interesting. We meet the Laverhope family - four beautiful young adults with charm and grace and no money. Their father has been waiting his whole life to inherit his aunt's fortune, and they are all lazy layabouts because of this expectation. Then the old and unloved aunt finally dies - and leaves her money to charity. What are the Laverhopes to do? At this point in a vintage Harlequin Romance one expects a plucky but virtuous poor relation to enter the story and make off with the rich, handsome, misunderstood man who lives across the fields from the Laverhopes.
But no, the heroine is one of the Laverhopes. Ismay herself describes her family as "a raffish set of scroungers." Ismay's younger sister hints that she is going to run away with Keith, the rich neighbor, "the usual thing," so she can study art in Italy. Ismay goes to plead with Keith not to ruin her sister. (This romance was originally published in 1940.)
Keith confesses his love for Ismay, although they've only met a few times, and offers to marry her instead of taking her sister as his mistress. Although Ismay originally turns him down, when the family's finances take a turn for the worse she agrees to marry him.
The characters and their relationships are quite unusual for a genre romance. This is a delightful vintage romance and one of my favorite books by Mary Burchell.
August 9, 2020
The hero’s name: Keith Otterbury. Really? Well this was an interesting read. Certainly not run of the mill. The hero has a bad reputation but eventually the heroine works out his true character and motives.
April 20, 2025
Mary Burchell is my new favorite author. I especially enjoy the Warrender series and the Florian books. Plus a few others. I enjoyed this book, and read it in one day.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews