THERE WAS MUCH ADO ABOUT SOMETHING AT WILDERCLIFFE!
Exceedingly wealthy Lord Pargeter had married his housekeeper . . . then expired, leaving the woman an heiress. There was something havey-cavey about the whole business, especially when the woman’s niece, Jane Lonsdale, arrived unexpectedly from her teaching position at Miss Prism’s Academy.
Across the lake, neighbors at Swann Hall were most interested. Visiting acquaintance Lord Fenwick decided to investigate . . . and was very intrigued by Jane, whose past hinted deliciously of scandal and whose lovely face and lively spirit fascinated him even more.
As devilishly attractive as she found Lord Fenwick, Jane kept frantically busy trying to keep her past a secret and was not gullible enough to succumb to the charms of a man too curious about her for his intentions to be noble!
Jane’s Aunt, although a gentlewoman by birth, has risen back from housekeeper to wealthy widow. Jane shows up to find not only is her Aunt rich, but the neighborhood is in a tizzy thinking something foul may be afoot.
This traditional Reg Rom is not one of Smith’s best, but its nonetheless funny, fast paced and an enjoyable read that delivers many of the features I have grown to expect from a Joan Smith. This includes eccentric supporting characters, a little bit of mystery, and spankingly funny dialogue. She also has a strong sensibility of the era, making it easy for the reader to become immersed.
Tea and Scandal is a pastoral book, so no glittering balls or routs. The hero is the traditional wealthy, attractive gentleman who has women jumping out of trees to land him (not literally). He has decided to resuscitate to avoid one particularly aggressive young lady, when he stumbles upon this little bit of provincial scandalbroth. Promising his host to investigate, he meets the engaging Jane and finds himself engaged in a battle of wits (and wills).
What follows is a delightful, light romance with lots of foibles, eccentric supporting characters, and multiple romances. Smith writes in the spirit of Heyer, if not always the eloquence, and it shines through here. There is not much to the plot, but it nonetheless is entertaining, engaging and enjoyable.
4.5 out of 6 Funny dialogue and rich cast of characters make this a fast paced, fun read
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Adult themes | |
| Intimacy | |
| Not much | |
| Violence | |
| Murder attempts | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Some adult themes, but generally clean. | |
