An Unconventional Duenna

The Steepwood Scandal #8

by Paula Marshall

Two young women, up from Steepwood to London for the Season, immediately attract the attention of two highly eligible young men. Tall, dark and confident, Athene Filmer seizes the opportunity to act as companion to her small, blonde and decidedly timid friend when she is launched into the ton. Illegitimate, with no dowry, Athene sees this as her one chance to make a rich marriage. But troubles arise when both young women consider Adrian, Lord Kinloch, to be the ideal husband. It's more than obvious to Athene that his formidably brusque cousin, Nicholas Cameron, is disapproving of her - seeing her as an adventuress on the make - but since Nick has shown no signs of offering her marriage himself, she knows she should dismiss all thought of him! But Nick will not be ignored..

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Harlequin

Paperback

First published December 7, 2001

About the author

Paula was born in Leicester and grew up in Nottingham. After finishing school, she was employed as a research librarian, and studied for her library examinations after work.

Paula has three children, and when the third started school, she returned to work, beginning a new career as a part-time lecturer in English and general studies. After four years of teaching, it became necessary for her to gain a degree, and Paula did just that. She enrolled in the open university and spent the next four years earning a first class honors BA in history.

Reviews

[Lysander Kenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty year old Athene is born illegitimate. She lives with her mother at a small village called Steeple Ride. When an opportunity arises for her to be a companion to young Emma who is to be out in the Season, Athene quickly jumped in for a chance to seize a better life for her mother.
But what Athene has planned may not be as easily done as she had thought. Where the heart is concerned, decisions cannot be easily made.
I love the plot & writing style. I totally enjoyed reading this book.

[SavageGrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I completely adored Nick and Athene and was thrilled with their "happily ever after" I could not but hope that Adrian, Emma and Emma's horrid mother end up with the opposite ending! Here's hoping Adrian deeply regrets jumping right into his "dear sweet Emma" and her Mama's net - and Emma and Mama find that life isn't so sweet to two such horrid creatures! I might pity Adrian a bit... but he proved to be so fickle - not to mention heartless, vain and brainless! - that I mostly don't! LOL