The Conundrum of a Clerk

The Widowers of the Aristocracy #3

by Linda Rae Sande

Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many. — PhaedrusWhen widower and bank clerk Theodore Streater discovers his late mother was not only the headmistress of Warwick's Grammar and Finishing School, but also its owner, he's in need of someone to run the rather lucrative enterprise. He turns to the woman who helped him regain his position at the bank after he lost an arm fighting in Belgium. His best friend's wife, Elizabeth Bennett-Jones, Viscountess Bostwick, still runs her charity, Finding Work for the Wounded. She is sure there's an applicant who would be perfect as headmistress of her old school.Having lost her position as an operative with the Home Office—her slight limp from a gunshot wound is hard to hide—Daisy Albright is at a loss as to what to do next. She could return to her father's home. The Duke of Ariley would like nothing more than to have his oldest illegitimate daughter under his protection until a suitable marriage can be arranged. But after several years of handling her own affairs away from the aristocracy, Daisy is determined to retain her independence. So when Lady Bostwick informs her of the position, Daisy immediately pays a call on the new owner of Warwick's to apply.Poor Teddy Streater has no idea what he's in for when he hires the ex-spy to run the finishing school. He would prefer to court the comely lady who seems prim and proper, but what woman wants to marry a man with only one arm? Perhaps he should be in search of a mistress. Trouble is, he can only imagine Miss Albright in the role in The Conundrum of a Clerk.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, Regency

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2018

About the author

A self-described nerd and lover of science, Linda Rae spent many years as a published technical writer specializing in 3D graphics workstations, software and 3D animation (her movie credits include SHREK and SHREK 2). An interest in genealogy led to years of research on the Regency era and a desire to write fiction based in that time.

A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.

Reviews

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: The Widowers of the Aristocracy #3
Publication Date: 9/18/18

I think I like this series better and better with each new book. The writing is intelligent, witty, and excellently done with characters that are very likable and relatable. As a matter of fact, I loved all of the characters in the book including those in secondary roles. I particularly liked James Burroughs, the Duke of Ariley, and our heroine’s father – he is such a sweet and loving man who just wants his daughter to be happy. George and Elizabeth, Viscount and Viscountess Bostwick, were also favorites. ** Just as an aside here ** Why do we always refer to the child as illegitimate rather than the parent? Why wouldn’t we say James, illegitimate father of Daisy rather than saying Daisy, illegitimate daughter of James? Sorry, that thought just popped up.

Daisy Albright (Burroughs) is a former operative (spy) who was wounded during the wars. Since the wound has caused a noticeable limp, she has been dismissed from her position. She has spent some time at her childhood home taking a break and now she’s back in London ready to find herself a position. She’s the much-loved, illegitimate daughter of a duke, but she wants to be independent and make her own way. Her father acknowledged her at birth, gave her his name and lived exclusively with her, her mother and her sister until her mother passed away. He loved them unconditionally and even offered marriage to her mother, but she refused. Daisy loves her father but has some issues with her illegitimacy. She hasn’t even told her father she’s back in London. There is a local charity that finds positions for injured veterans and she has applied there to see if they can help her find a new position.

Theodore Streater, son, and brother to a baron lost his right arm during the war. When he returned, he wasn’t welcomed back to his bank clerk position even though he wrote with and used his left hand for all of those tasks. Thanks to Elizabeth, Viscountess Bostwick’s charity, he got his position back with the same bank and has now even been promoted to the head of clerks position. Teddy has never been close with his family, but he did dine out with her on occasion – just not as much as he should. Therefore, he was in for a complete and total shock when, upon her death, he found himself in possession of a school and a ten-thousand-pound fortune. He had no idea – he thought she worked as the headmistress at the school – and she must have lived as a miser in order to amass that fortune. He must contact Elizabeth’s charity right away for her to find a new headmistress for his school.

Elizabeth remembers that she has a female candidate that would be perfect for Teddy’s school and quickly tracks her down. Daisy is surprised that Elizabeth managed to track her to her father’s house, but is very pleased and intends to apply right away. Teddy and Daisy are immediately attracted to each other and he hires her almost with an interview. The story is off and running from there – poor Teddy finds his fortune isn’t quite what he thinks – and Daisy finds that she can fall in love and want to marry and have children.

It really is a lovely read – I even loved the chapter titles. One thing that I didn’t particularly care for was that Teddy immediately jumped to the conclusion that Daisy was someone’s mistress. During that period, I cannot imagine that anyone would immediately jump to that conclusion about a respectable, well-bred young woman. Teddy had no clue that Daisy was illegitimate and I just didn’t see any reason for it. Another thing I didn’t particularly care for was Daisy’s last mission as a spy. I cannot imagine a well-bred young woman accepting that mission – nor can I imagine the spymasters giving her that mission knowing her father was a very powerful duke. As you can see from my rating, neither of those things bothered me very much.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't care for the h at all. I would have liked to know how she became a spy, who recruited her etc. I didn't care that she was a mistress to two men all for the love the the Crown! She requests a friend to teach her how to pleasure a man. She offers her virginity willingly because she can't be a virgin mistress - WHAT! It's not like she HAD to do this. She is wealthy.

The H has lost his arm in the war and thinks he can't find a wife. He was honorable and caring and I liked his character. But, I didn't feel a connection to the h.

I did like the relationship with the Duke (her father). The h's mother was the Duke's (prior to receiving the Title) mistress for 19 years. He loved his mistress and his two daughter's by her. Gave his girls his name too. I enjoyed that part of the story.

There is lovemaking outside of marriage, described a couple of times. Heat level 4+ out of 5.

No cheating, HEA, little on romance and some steam. (ljb)

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another astonishingly different Regency romance!

Linda Rae Sands is rapidly becoming my fave Regency Romance author. She writes what I call "Alt/Regency" - about the people just beneath the notice of the haute ton - second sons and blow-by daughters of the nobility, wounded war veterans with aristocratic connections, activists bored with social climbing and more inclined to social engineering - these are the characters who populate The Conundrum of a Clerk. Said clerk, Teddy Streater, is an old fogey (wounded veteran) who endures a tumultuous series of financial and romantic experiences. That the means of his deliverance from poverty and loneliness should be equally involved in both aspects of his life is the heart of the story. An astute and aggrieved veteran of warfare herself, Daisy Albright just cannot help but find solutions to Mr. Streater's ever-more-complex dilemma - to his complete bafflement. The clash of their reality with the rigid notions of the nobility is part of each one's struggle, as Daisy and Teddy pick their way through the mine-field of social expectations, and conquer their private delusions of unworthiness Superb characters, an incredible sense of the social and economic changes sweeping Britain following the Napoleonic Wars, and a heart-felt understanding of the ways in which adult expectations shape the lives of children stand out as what's best in this most excellent alt/Regency romance. My thanks to Ari of Candid Book Reviews for the ARC, and this review is, as always, voluntary, independent and uncompensated.

[SylviaV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. I liked the way the story unfolded and the way the characters interacted.
4 stars.
I will check out the other books written by this author.

[Joan]

I enjoyed this, but I think it would have benefitted from some serious proof-reading and much tighter editing and I was totally confused by all the relationships between people.

Teddy's eyes widened. "My three-hundred-and-eighty pounds a year at the bank is a pittance?"
Elizabeth grimaced, not entirely pleased he was earning less than three-hundred pounds a year.

That made no sense to me.

There were several other examples of confusing writing and I had to keep skimming back and forth to check details. eg: Daisy takes off her ragged pelisse to reveal 'a sky-blue gown of fine lawn embroidered with tiny flowers and leaves.' yet when she arrives at her father's house she sheds 'the hideous gown she had worn to church'.

This could have been a real fun read, but it needed to be much tighter with less waffle and better editing.

Rating to come.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is dramatic, romantic and entertaining. Theodore and Daisy are likable and intelligent characters and the storyline is intriguing and creative.
I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from Candid Book Reviews. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[cheryl giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is why I read historical romance

While I could write about characters, plot, or style of writing, perhaps the best recommendation is the number of times I found myself smiling as I read. I read historical romances to take a break from the chaos and demands of everyday life, and this book provided that in the best possible way. And it was a beautiful reminder of why I got married to begin with, that being with one person can be worth changing your entire life.
I keep a list of authors I have found and enjoyed. Linda Rae Sande is definitely going on my list with a star beside her name. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

The story was sweet with everybody in love, but actually not as realistic as some. The fact that Daisy and her sister were so loved by their father was a little fanciful, but it did move the story line along. Entertaining story.

[Miana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Kept me engaged. Good cast of characters and a good plot. Will have to read the other books. Great job.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable :-)

I think I enjoyed this book so much more because I am pregnant and I have nursed and co-slept with my two young children. I can relate to several elements mentioned by the married couples.

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance

Women breaking the bonds of society and being independent yet longing for family and home. Some twists and turns and adventures with mishaps.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Traditional, Well Written, Humorous, Recommend (some sex and language)

I’m normally a purist of the Georgette Heyer school of regency romance books, but I also enjoy the humorous and less formal ones, such as those by Barbara Metzger. I wasn’t sure about taking this book as a freebie, though, because I have been very disappointed in some of the authors who are new at writing regencies. I am definitely glad that I tried this book because, while it was not traditional, it was well written and quite entertaining. It held my interest and some scenes and dialogue were very humorous.

This book had excellent writing mechanics, likeable characters and dialogue that flowed smoothly. The dialogue and prose were written in a style that is probably more acceptable to 21st century readers, but without modern slang and glaring anachronisms. It managed to straddle a line designed to appeal to both an older and younger demographic. Details mentioned were historically accurate as regards clothing, transportation, housing, furniture, gaslighting, improvements in glass windows, and so on. One final area of excellence was the humour that imbued the story. Sometimes it elicited a quiet chuckle and other times a laugh out loud moment.

The following are areas that some regency readers might difficult to accept. Children in the book had far more freedom and attention than would have been the norm, at a time when children were usually not only not heard, but not even seen. It didn’t bother me and I enjoyed those scenes, but they didn’t fit the period.

Spies were usually looked down upon in that era, were despised, and were not considered to be gentlemen. That attitude wasn’t reflected in some of the interactions here. As for a female spy, ordered to seduce targets, that would have led to total ruin for her. In this case, a Duke’s illegitimate but beloved and acknowledged daughter is the spy in case, and it is highly unlikely that her father or his fellow aristocrats would have allowed her to be hired in any capacity by the Home Office and they would have been appalled and out for blood had they been aware that she been sent off to seduce suspected smugglers and traitors. As well, whenever she ran across her fellow male colleagues, they were extremely polite, respectful and sincerely happy to see her. Colleagues or not, the heroine would have been considered a fallen woman and it seems more likely that she would be receiving the ‘cut direct’ from even former colleagues. That whole sex-spy element scenario caused me a bit of cringing. This aspect was why I took one star off.

This book had graphic sexual language and sex scenes. It was well done and reflected that language and sexuality were much more liberal than in the Victorian era. While upper class single young women had to at least appear virtuous and virginal, men and married women were much freer. So readers should expect explicit bedroom language and actions. We aren’t talking hot, hard core porn but it isn’t a clean read. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

I recommend this book to readers who can tolerate a less than traditional regency romance, but one that doesn’t grate with modern slang and jargon, or with the complete absence of any research. This is an amusing, light read, with humour, an adorable hero and a kind, loving heroine.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for putting this on Kindle Unlimited

Thank you for putting this on Kindle Unlimited. I would have been unable to read it otherwise. And I enjoyed it very much. These particular love stories.
I have read every one of these books on KU. I love seeing the families progress and mingle. Thank you again for letting even us broke old ladies on social security.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I have read this author before and will continue to read books by her. I liked the chemistry between Theodore and Daisy. I thought it was kind of comical at times when they were denying the way they felt for each other. I liked that Daisy wasn't just a lady in waiting and she had a mind of her own. I liked that she had worked under cover and wasn't a delicate lady. I found both main characters charming and they fit so well together. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading this genre.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Two people who have survived war find they can still find love despite their injuries. Daisy and Teddy are trying to adjust to their new lives, and with the help of friends, they find themselves working together and learning to appreciate the other. Their pain and loneliness was obvious, and I was glad for their happiness. There was a bit too much story devoted to the secondary characters from previous stories, but it was nice to see them again.

I received an ARC of this story through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel hits the ground running, with poor Teddy getting the shock of his life.

Read full review in the 2019 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pleasant albeit a bit strange. I got it because I have a crush on the cover model. I assumed that the romance of Theo and Daisy would be front and center. Instead, Theo's best friend George and Daisy's father James (along with their wives) really stole the show. Both couples were delightful. James definitely deserves his own story. When I searched for James in the author's book list, I actually found a novella called "The Making of a Mistress" which featured Daisy and her first lover Alex! That would definitely explain the unsettled feelings I got when a married Alex appears in this book.
I did not like Daisy very much. As a matchmaker, friend or a daughter, Daisy was fine. However, her past was difficult to accept. She had wealth, but she essentially chose to throw her life away. However, at the beginning of this book, Daisy is ready to start over and be respectable.
Theo is also in need of a fresh start. He had loved his late wife and had the additional misfortune of losing an arm in the war. His likable character gets a bit shortchanged because he is not as colorful as Daisy. He suffers from low self-esteem due to his missing arm and thinks that no woman would want him. Daisy's prior experience with men actually came in handy when it came to bolstering Theo's confidence. Their romance was handled with humor and sensitivity.
To sum up, Theo and Daisy were upstaged. I think this story was more about Daisy, a ruined woman needing to reinvent herself, who was lucky to find love.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing wasn't the most polished, and the author made no effort to capture the tone of early 19th century, but it was a pleasant read anyway. No undue levels of drama, just a quiet story about two people falling in love. The characters were likeable, the pacing perfect and the humour snicker worthy.

Two critiques however:

1. The author has written many novels and it appears that they all interconnect to some degree, so while this CAN be read as a standalone story, if you haven't read her other works, you will wonder why the story starts off with two entirely different characters than the main couple. It also gave me that "walked in in the middle of a conversation" feeling several times as people discussed other characters that weren't in the book but apparently the author felt we should be familiar with them nevertheless.

2. There is one point where the two main characters are talking and the man tells the woman to send him the invoices for the repairs to the school, however, two chapters later the repairs, their cost and his actual ability to pay are addressed for the first time and become a LARGE plot point towards the later half of the book. How did an editor not catch this?

[Candy Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy Albright is the illegitimate daughter of Duke of Ariley. She was also a spy for England, she was shot and the government felt she was too obvious to spy anymore. Teddy Warwick was a wounded soldier. He lost his right arm. He felt there was no woman who would want to marry a one armed man. He also fenced and enjoyed practicing with his friend, Viscount Bostwick.
The story is pretty interesting, the characters are very likeable. I really enjoyed the humor in the tale, and the sexual tension the room had every time Daisy and Teddy were in close proximity was amazing. William and Rose, her stepsiblings, were adorable and she loved spending some time with them. She became the headmistress of an elite school for girls, she also played matchmaker for a couple of her teachers. The author did a great job of keeping up with the twists and amorous conflicts. Her writing was well written, moved smoothly and consistently. It is worth your time to read it, it is very good. This has some sexy sections and should only be read for the eighteen and over.

I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Toyenlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting read. Teddy is an ex soldier who lost one of his hands at war. He is now a bank clerk thanks to his best friend's wife's charity. His mother died and left him an inheritance and a finishing school and he's now in need of a headmistress for the school. He went to his friend and his wife for assistance and they came through for him by introducing him to Daisy.
Daisy is the illegitimate daughter of a Duke. She was a former spy who was also wounded at war. She's in need of a job and was happy to get the job of the headmistress because she doesn't want to rely on her father. On meeting each other, there was attraction between the two of them but will they succumb to it despite all odds in order to experience their happily ever after? Find out by grabbing your own copy. "I received this book for free from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review ".

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good paced story with likeable characters in Teddy and Daisy. I enjoyed their growing relationship and also the family connection with Daisy, her father and his new family. There were also further details concerning George and Elizabeth Bostwick ( who were in a previous book ). I did chuckle at the antics of the two little boys. At times there was an abundance of names to read and had no idea who they were. This was an interesting read, highlighting the problems ex-military faced, when returning injured, including how they felt about themselves. I did receive a copy from eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I had previously bought my own copy.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit of time to get into this book as I wasn’t sure whether I was reading a comedy or a tragedy. Once I chose to view the book as a comedy, I actually did find it enjoyable. Theodore and Daisy are both wounded warriors finding their way in society once again after the war was over. They had scars and were living with the aftermath of their war experiences. The story did jump around a bit for me, as characters from previous books were drawn into this one. The love stories of other characters were also included. Nevertheless this is a well written, gentle romance and it has a happy conclusion. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in The Widowers of the Aristocracy series a well-written story I was not putting down until it was finished.Widower and bank clerk Theodore Streater who lost part of his arm in the war finds out things about his mother he did not know. His mother was not only the headmistress of Warwick's Grammar and Finishing School, but also its owner. Daisy Albright lost her position as an operative with the Home Office after she was shot she applies to be Headmistress of the school but she is keeping something in her life hidden from people at the school. I enjoyed reading how these two come together, I want to read more by this Author. A book I would recommend.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spy to Head master

A different twist , very good story. Daisy was not your ordinary heroine , getting a job as headmistress , is just the beginning of the book. Teddy is a second son who lost part of his arm in the war. His mother was headmaster at a prominent girls school and passes away leaving behind a school in I'll repair and an inheritance for Teddy. Many characters and things happen. I recommend this book.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

What a great story. I liked the characters very much. I liked how it defiantly went against the norms of that time period. I think you should give this book a read. The tension level of heat was high.

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slice of history in this riveting book.
The war is over, those that live has returned.
Injured, missing limbs, their self esteem damaged.
But there is hope!
A well written story with some great characters
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Teddy and Daisy
I enjoyed reading this fantastic written book with a bit of drama. I like how the author include the wounded Veterans in her stories. Their story has a wonderful and complete HEA!

[Jill M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well written and pretty much period correct story. However, for me, it just dragged on and on. I found myself skipping pages towards the end. Not a clean read, in case stuff like that bugs you. I prefer a little spice, so that was fine. I couldn't get emotionally attached to any of the characters, except perhaps the H just a tad.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is good but omygosh the audio version is AWFUL! The narrator makes them all sound like aged comic characters, the men sound like women! And it's a man reader! But I really like the story a lot.

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you