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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful!, September 7, 2000
If this book had been written in the days when a sub-title was considered a valuable addition to the book, such an addtion to this one might have been ". . .or, Sensible Expectations". Marriages of convenience are exceptionally popular in the Regency genre, and this gentle and charming book clearly demonstrates why. Will, Baron Ledbetter, is in need of ready cash to fulfill an unusual codicil to his mother's will. Prudence Stockworth, oldest of four daughters, quite on-the-shelf at two-and-twenty, has suddenly found herself a woman of means, having inherited a fortune from her deceased fiance. Prudence and Will had met four years earlier when she made her come-out, but Will's very masculinity had scared her--right into the arms of the unfortunate Porlonsby. That young man had promptly taken himself off to India to make his fortune, but died before ever returning home to claim Prudence for his own. Will's father was known for his impatience; Will is heading in that direction. Prudence only wants to be loved and wanted for herself, fears, hangups and all. How these two come to terms with their marriage, each other, and their friends and family is a remarkably fascinating tale spun by the capable Ms. Mathews. There is even a touch of mystery, unravelled by the capable Prudence. The book is really quite sensual, but in such a tender, sweet way it should not offend anyone. In fact, had I a teen-age daughter, I would happily hand her this book instead of a dry, non-fiction attempt to teach her the facts of life. With any luck at all, she'd also learn the true way to make a marriage work--honesty about and above all things--with yourself and your mate, and, also, the fine old art of compromise. A lovely, gentle, satisfying reading experience awaits. Enjoy!
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