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The Daughters of Mannerling #2
The Intrigue
To regain Mannerling estate father gambled away, obsessed family sets second-eldest Jessica on secretly abusive heir, Harry Devers, whose attempted rape of eldest has been quieted. But obstacles abound, as do rivals in romance, fortune and haughtiness.
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First published September 1, 1995
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About the author
Marion Chesney
147 books762 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 13, 2024
This Book is Intriguing.
The Beverly sisters are still in love with their old house, Mannerling. They still have dreams of returning there to live. They still have dreams of being in the place of their childhood.
They are still dreaming about their past and their future in Mannerling. How many times have they been there in their minds and their life?
Always have they been there for the sake of their family and each other. The next sister is Jessica who is going to sacrifice her life to get Mannerling back.
She is going to do what it takes to get a husband who will help her get back Mannerling. Whatever she will have to do, she will do.
Will she be successful? Will she get Mannerling back?
Five stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
The Beverly sisters are still in love with their old house, Mannerling. They still have dreams of returning there to live. They still have dreams of being in the place of their childhood.
They are still dreaming about their past and their future in Mannerling. How many times have they been there in their minds and their life?
Always have they been there for the sake of their family and each other. The next sister is Jessica who is going to sacrifice her life to get Mannerling back.
She is going to do what it takes to get a husband who will help her get back Mannerling. Whatever she will have to do, she will do.
Will she be successful? Will she get Mannerling back?
Five stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
January 10, 2018
I so admire writers. The devotion, desire and discipline it takes to put out even one novel is amazing. And yet M. C. Beaton has written so many novels that she uses five pseudonyms. I can barely find the time to write short reviews. 🤷🏼♀️
So as a fan, it pains me to not give this book 5 stars. But, although it is an adorable story, it felt a bit forced. Anyway, I still liked it and will keep going with the rest of the series! 😘
So as a fan, it pains me to not give this book 5 stars. But, although it is an adorable story, it felt a bit forced. Anyway, I still liked it and will keep going with the rest of the series! 😘
March 21, 2015
I get the feeling this is one that M.Chesney/Beaton cracked out in a week - parts were rushed, dark matters touched on and moved on from in paragraphs, a silly empty headed heroine who I never really got a chance to like in between her wildly fickle emotional swings and a Hero who I was hoping would 'cop off' with Miss Trumble instead!
I picked this up on a whim at the library and as such hadn't read the first one, maybe this would have made more sense, but from all the reviews saying the plot is almost identical in the first I'm going to hazard a guess at not.
I'll give the next one a go, but mostly just to find out the mystery about Miss Trumble, quite frankly I couldn't give a fig about the silly sisters!
I picked this up on a whim at the library and as such hadn't read the first one, maybe this would have made more sense, but from all the reviews saying the plot is almost identical in the first I'm going to hazard a guess at not.
I'll give the next one a go, but mostly just to find out the mystery about Miss Trumble, quite frankly I couldn't give a fig about the silly sisters!
November 24, 2022
Like in The Banishment, I have found a few interesting views (a criticism) about some characters, relationships, and rules of society.
Yet, there was not much more to enjoy. All was pleasant, I don't deny. Marion Chesney had the style that made every Regency story by her at least a bit enjoyable. But I have the feeling this series is one of the worse by the author.
[2-2.5 stars]
Yet, there was not much more to enjoy. All was pleasant, I don't deny. Marion Chesney had the style that made every Regency story by her at least a bit enjoyable. But I have the feeling this series is one of the worse by the author.
[2-2.5 stars]
February 7, 2014
Jessica Beverley is convinced that she can do what Isabella could not, bring the family back to Mannerling. Sadly, Sir William dies of illness before Jessica puts her plan into action. Lady Beverley hires an elderly governess to re-school the girls in what she consideres polite behavior so that Jessica may charm Mr. Harry Devers, the son of Mannerlings newest owners. Instead, Miss Trumble teaches the girls Latin and Greek, history and literature, and things that will occupy their minds and make them think less of Mannerling. Miss Trumble seems through Jessica's plan and thinks she can make Jessica see reason but doesn't count on the pressure from the other sisters and her mother. Jessica thinks she can remain strong and tries to ignore her growing attachment to Harry's professor cousin, Robert Sommerville. Jessica learns the hard way that doing what her family thinks is right isn't always the right thing and that true love doesn't only happen in novels. The plot of this book is almost exactly the same as the first in the series. The ending is a little silly. The only character I really like is Miss Trumble and I was hoping she would be the one to find true love in the end.
September 21, 2016
This book Is a quick read and one if you had the time to read in one day. The second in the series of sisters that are trying to get their old house back but don't win.
March 5, 2016
The Daughters of Mannerling is somewhat darker than the other two Marion Chesney series that I've read. Yes, even compared to all the murder and mayhem in The School for Manners. I think the difference is in the sense of maturity. While DoM does contain elements of a comedy of errors, it foregoes the zaniness present in TSoM.
The next eldest daughter, Jessica, is convinced that she will be the one to regain Mannerling. As is the rest of the family still at home. So convinced, in fact, that their naked ambition leaves them open to ridicule, particularly on the part of the Deverses, the family currently in possession of Mannerling. To make matters worse, their son, Harry, is not exactly a catch. He's kind of like a party girl. The really destructive kind.
Possibly more so than the last book, The Intrigue focuses on the almost supernatural power that Mannerling has. Jessica meets the Deverses' nephew Professor Robert Summerville, and with surprising swiftness, he convinces her that Mannerling is just a place, and she should accept its being beyond her grasp. Jessica swerved between letting go of Mannerling and chasing after Harry with Mannerling in her sights.
Once again, Barry the odd jobs man is a force of good on the side of more or less fighting Mannerling's dreadful pull. But this time, he is joined by the mysterious governess Miss Trumble. Much is made of her extraordinary focus on education and little hints that she is more than a "mere" governess. She speaks too freely with Mrs Beverly, and holds herself like a queen.
She's to thank for Robert even noticing Jessica. He spoke to Miss Trumble first, and the fact that she forced the girls to dramatically expand their education was one of the things that made Jessica attractive to him in the first place. I liked that.
I did think that Jessica's romance was rather like Isabella's, but they did have differences. Even if they weren't, it was a nice romance the firs time, and these books are short enough that I honestly forget a great deal even a day later. This makes them eternally renewable! :)
The next eldest daughter, Jessica, is convinced that she will be the one to regain Mannerling. As is the rest of the family still at home. So convinced, in fact, that their naked ambition leaves them open to ridicule, particularly on the part of the Deverses, the family currently in possession of Mannerling. To make matters worse, their son, Harry, is not exactly a catch. He's kind of like a party girl. The really destructive kind.
Possibly more so than the last book, The Intrigue focuses on the almost supernatural power that Mannerling has. Jessica meets the Deverses' nephew Professor Robert Summerville, and with surprising swiftness, he convinces her that Mannerling is just a place, and she should accept its being beyond her grasp. Jessica swerved between letting go of Mannerling and chasing after Harry with Mannerling in her sights.
Once again, Barry the odd jobs man is a force of good on the side of more or less fighting Mannerling's dreadful pull. But this time, he is joined by the mysterious governess Miss Trumble. Much is made of her extraordinary focus on education and little hints that she is more than a "mere" governess. She speaks too freely with Mrs Beverly, and holds herself like a queen.
She's to thank for Robert even noticing Jessica. He spoke to Miss Trumble first, and the fact that she forced the girls to dramatically expand their education was one of the things that made Jessica attractive to him in the first place. I liked that.
I did think that Jessica's romance was rather like Isabella's, but they did have differences. Even if they weren't, it was a nice romance the firs time, and these books are short enough that I honestly forget a great deal even a day later. This makes them eternally renewable! :)
November 25, 2016
Miss Trumble does "not think that love has anything to do with logic. .. You can be in the right and miserable, or you can forgive and be happy" p 183.
I think I've read the series before, guess the daughters all get rich husbands, happy lives. But who really is fairy godmother Trumble, who gives "sentimental little sigh" at Robert's "excellent" legs p 70? How can Trumble manage scrimping Lady Beverley to be found out and "loose the purse strings" p 208? If you like scary superstition, the Mannerling chandelier rotates from Judd's ghost, not wind.
I think I've read the series before, guess the daughters all get rich husbands, happy lives. But who really is fairy godmother Trumble, who gives "sentimental little sigh" at Robert's "excellent" legs p 70? How can Trumble manage scrimping Lady Beverley to be found out and "loose the purse strings" p 208? If you like scary superstition, the Mannerling chandelier rotates from Judd's ghost, not wind.
Read
April 12, 2013I remember reading a slew of Marion Chesney novels when my children were very young. They were just the right kind of light, mindless entertainment that I needed at the time. I had to read things that were very put-downable … books that would not consume me. My free time to read was very limited.
Basically, all of the books in any given Marion Chesney series were the same book. She had a formula, and stuck to it. She changed names, places and circumstances, but the basic plots remained identical. They were all set during the Regency (a period in history that I still adore to this day), and they were all usually under 200 pages each. The writing was simplistic, and really gave you nothing to ponder. These books fit the bill for me perfectly at the time.
Considering the number of books she has cranked out (Wikipedia lists 106 books under her own name and her pseudonyms), I’m not surprised that she does not write “great works of fiction”.
So I figured that since they were really all the same book, the same review would suffice!
Basically, all of the books in any given Marion Chesney series were the same book. She had a formula, and stuck to it. She changed names, places and circumstances, but the basic plots remained identical. They were all set during the Regency (a period in history that I still adore to this day), and they were all usually under 200 pages each. The writing was simplistic, and really gave you nothing to ponder. These books fit the bill for me perfectly at the time.
Considering the number of books she has cranked out (Wikipedia lists 106 books under her own name and her pseudonyms), I’m not surprised that she does not write “great works of fiction”.
So I figured that since they were really all the same book, the same review would suffice!
March 2, 2019
I hate giving books low ratings. I am sure this author could do better. I read the first book and thought it was okay, but this second one in light of the #metoo movement was hard to swallow. I finished it but won’t read the next book. Most of it resembled the first book in the series as far as structure went and it felt rushed. Characters were 2D etc. still, the author spent a great deal of time to write this and that is admirable. I am sorry I didn’t love it.
September 27, 2017
I listened to this on audio x2, there really wasn't any depth to the characters or plot and went into more depth in some bedroom scenes. It seemed much like the first story and I don't plan on reading any of the other books in this series-not worth my time even at 2x speed.
May 25, 2020
3.5 stars. I’ve been listening to the audiobook version of this series. I wasn’t thrilled with the narrator in book one, but this narrator (Charlotte Anne Dore) is even harder to listen to. Her voice is scratchy, she pronounces things oddly, uses weird inflections and randomly changes the volume and pitch of her voice in ways that don’t match the narrative. She shouts all of Lizzy‘s lines, for example, even though Lizzy’s personality isn’t given to loudness or shouting. It’s very distracting.
As far as the actual story, the romantic thread wasn’t a whole lot different from that of the first book, but I very much like the addition of the mysterious new governess, who quickly became my favorite character. Making hers the main POV was a good move on the author’s part, as it upended my expectation that the second book in the series would be narrated by the second daughter, and added a fresh voice to the series.
Unlike others I’ve read by Marion Chesney, this book raises the issue of sexual violence - a very real danger for Regency women, and one of the reasons unmarried girls were chaperoned. I appreciate books that deal with difficult topics, but don’t feel it‘s handled very sensitively here. Certainly, women had far fewer rights in the 19th century, and had to put up with a great deal more than we do today. But in this case, the author seemed to introduce it solely as a plot device, missing the opportunity to show the impact and trauma of assault.
However, despite my disappointment in the way the above issue was handled, and the distracting audiobook narrator, I managed to enjoy the story overall and will continue with the series to find out what happens to these characters and to Mannerling.
As far as the actual story, the romantic thread wasn’t a whole lot different from that of the first book, but I very much like the addition of the mysterious new governess, who quickly became my favorite character. Making hers the main POV was a good move on the author’s part, as it upended my expectation that the second book in the series would be narrated by the second daughter, and added a fresh voice to the series.
Unlike others I’ve read by Marion Chesney, this book raises the issue of sexual violence - a very real danger for Regency women, and one of the reasons unmarried girls were chaperoned. I appreciate books that deal with difficult topics, but don’t feel it‘s handled very sensitively here. Certainly, women had far fewer rights in the 19th century, and had to put up with a great deal more than we do today. But in this case, the author seemed to introduce it solely as a plot device, missing the opportunity to show the impact and trauma of assault.
However, despite my disappointment in the way the above issue was handled, and the distracting audiobook narrator, I managed to enjoy the story overall and will continue with the series to find out what happens to these characters and to Mannerling.
January 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this novel...
When I encountered Jessica in the first novel I thought she needed a lesson in humility. Then when I met her in her own story, I had a different thought - Jessica was like anyone else trying to be brave and live up to the expectations of others. I think she always knew that property and money weren’t all life had to offer but once she set herself on the path to secure her home, she couldn’t willingly choose another path.
This manic fixation on a pile of stone makes the women appear empty-headed, but I know they are not. It is just so funny how people can twist things to their liking and make themselves believe what they want. I must say that I was a bit disappointed that the education they gained didn’t spark intellectual discussions between her and Robert. I honestly thought that it was one of the purposes of a governess who wanted them to have a well-rounded education. It was refreshing to see how far little Lizzy had grown. She is a strong girl showing signs of maturity that one can only learn through experience.
When I encountered Jessica in the first novel I thought she needed a lesson in humility. Then when I met her in her own story, I had a different thought - Jessica was like anyone else trying to be brave and live up to the expectations of others. I think she always knew that property and money weren’t all life had to offer but once she set herself on the path to secure her home, she couldn’t willingly choose another path.
This manic fixation on a pile of stone makes the women appear empty-headed, but I know they are not. It is just so funny how people can twist things to their liking and make themselves believe what they want. I must say that I was a bit disappointed that the education they gained didn’t spark intellectual discussions between her and Robert. I honestly thought that it was one of the purposes of a governess who wanted them to have a well-rounded education. It was refreshing to see how far little Lizzy had grown. She is a strong girl showing signs of maturity that one can only learn through experience.
August 31, 2019
After her sister, Isabella, failed to reclaim their home, the beautiful Mannerling estate, it falls to Jessica, the next eldest daughter. With new owners of the property, Jessica must succeed in marrying the heir, Harry, who also happens to be a drunken, lecherous, gambler. Meanwhile, Jessica is so caught up in her attempts to regain the family home and their former life, that she fails to realize that she is falling in love with Professor Robert Sommerville, and she may lose everything if she doesn't discover what is really important.
A fun sequel to the first, and I enjoyed it immensely. That said, I didn't love it quite as much as the first book - I was a little frustrated with Robert at times, and with Jessica, but it was great addition to the series. Can't wait to see what happens to the next sister.
A fun sequel to the first, and I enjoyed it immensely. That said, I didn't love it quite as much as the first book - I was a little frustrated with Robert at times, and with Jessica, but it was great addition to the series. Can't wait to see what happens to the next sister.
March 6, 2026
I wanted to like this book more than I did. When the characters who save the book are not the main characters, then I get a bit peeved. Miss Trumble and Barry intrigue me; I hope they span the series.
Well, the gambling father dies, the mother (who has interesting beliefs about her status) takes over, and the next daughter is expected by said mother to regain their former mansion. The target is beyond wicked, so his scenes can be difficult to read. Fortunately, there is a perfectly nice gentleman whom Jessica can fall for.
There is now an addition of a ghost, and the house seems to have developed a dark personality all its own.
This book was a bit too much like the last for me to give it a full five stars.
Well, the gambling father dies, the mother (who has interesting beliefs about her status) takes over, and the next daughter is expected by said mother to regain their former mansion. The target is beyond wicked, so his scenes can be difficult to read. Fortunately, there is a perfectly nice gentleman whom Jessica can fall for.
There is now an addition of a ghost, and the house seems to have developed a dark personality all its own.
This book was a bit too much like the last for me to give it a full five stars.
March 3, 2023
Clean Regency Romance
The second in the series, this book is not as well plotted as the first. And I'm not convinced about its title - something like Second Chances might have been more appropriate.
Jessica's character is not as well drawn as Isabella, making me wonder what Robert saw in her besides physical beauty. Miss Trumble is a very interesting addition and I look forward to reading more about her. Barry remains his stalwart self. Mannerling continues to exude sinister magnetism.
Oh! What a cutting observation:
"And thus Mr. Devers proved himself to be a true Englishman. There was always an excuse for rape, but for wantonly stealing and losing money, none at all."
The second in the series, this book is not as well plotted as the first. And I'm not convinced about its title - something like Second Chances might have been more appropriate.
Jessica's character is not as well drawn as Isabella, making me wonder what Robert saw in her besides physical beauty. Miss Trumble is a very interesting addition and I look forward to reading more about her. Barry remains his stalwart self. Mannerling continues to exude sinister magnetism.
Oh! What a cutting observation:
"And thus Mr. Devers proved himself to be a true Englishman. There was always an excuse for rape, but for wantonly stealing and losing money, none at all."
May 13, 2024
Variations on a theme. A group of sisters raised by an alcoholic gambling father and a cold, high in the instep mother become obsessed by their childhood home, which the father lost in a card game. I believe that the pattern is that each girl must be taught to value people over property. In this one, the daughter comes to her senses only when she is raped. If this weren't a romance, the girl would only learn when it was too late. There is also a mysterious wise governess. As a retired teacher and tutor, is the one I identify with, except for the mystery and wisdom.
December 1, 2018
Intrigue is the second book in the Daughters of Mannerling series which my cover said was written by MC Beaton (is she the same person as Chesney?) anyway it has about as much intrigue as to quote an old Australian commercial a gum boot filled with warm sago.
Really a struggle to get through all these prancing prunes pouncing about the place with their proper ways and perplexing postures, bunch of old plonkers. Dull! (And yet I continue on because you know I've borrowed them all so....)
Really a struggle to get through all these prancing prunes pouncing about the place with their proper ways and perplexing postures, bunch of old plonkers. Dull! (And yet I continue on because you know I've borrowed them all so....)
August 31, 2017
I love how Mannerly, the house, is one of the main characters in this book. It is cleverly woven into the story. I also like the development of the mother's character. It's a little surprising but also really credible.
July 10, 2019
More Mannerling Obsession
Yet another of the beautiful Beverley daughters rescued from disaster by the machinations of their clever, mysterious governess. Two happily wed with four to go.
Yet another of the beautiful Beverley daughters rescued from disaster by the machinations of their clever, mysterious governess. Two happily wed with four to go.
November 15, 2023
Cartoonish characters that are poorly developed . The characters and plots to M.C. Beatons books all seem to have a nasty edge and undertone to them so they lack the sparkle which makes a Georgette Heyer book so joyous.
September 23, 2017
2.5 rounded up to 3
February 4, 2018
After reading The Banishment, this installment was predictable.
April 8, 2019
Perfect fluffy read for the end of the semester when my brain is melting out my ears.
May 23, 2020
Audio. Another fun, clean, and quick read.
September 26, 2020
All of the Beverleys (of the eponymous Mannerling) are awful people. I thought so in #1 and it was even more true in this one. I won't be reading the rest in the series.
August 22, 2021
I never knew till after reading 2nd book in this series. How a house could be so coveted and lead people to want it so badly.
February 7, 2022
Insanity over an estate almost ruins a lovely romance.
March 30, 2022
The second novel in Marion Chesney's Daughters of Mannerling series, which I truly enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews