Customer Reviews

An Unexpected Passion (Masquerade)

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This book was totally engrossing. The author calls it a "Faction", a fictionalized biographical account of a courtship and marriage.
It concerns two members of the Devonshire House Set. Lady Harriet, is the daughter of the infamous 5th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Lord Granville, is the former lover of Harriet's Aunt Henrietta, Lady Bessborough. He is the father of Lady Bessborough's two illegitimate children. Henrietta is also the mother of the notorious Lady Caroline Lamb.
Granville needs a respectable wife to continue his political career. His former mistress, Lady Bessborough, recommends her niece, Harriet.
Harriet's beloved mother, Lady Georgiana, has died. The Duke's long-term, live-in mistress, Lady Elizabeth Foster, intends to inveigle the Duke into marriage. Lady Elizabeth supports the suggested alliance, since it would remove Harriet as an obstacle to her plan. The Duke's legitimate children tolerate their father's mistress, but have no love for her.
Lady Harriet is a loving character, who has not had an easy life despite riches and privilege. Granville is an interesting blend of intelligence, loyalty and risk-taking. The selfish machinations of the various characters gives insight into upper class regency society.
The story of Granville's suit and Harriet's decision makes for a fascinating romance. You can't help but hope that it will all work out well for them. This may be the book for you, if you enjoy regency romances or historical fiction.
The Devonshire House Set habitues have inspired many biographies. This novel includes a brief bibliography of some of those biographies.
Recommended.