An Advantageous Marriage by Alice Chetwynd Ley Published by Chivers on March 3, 1991
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Historical, Fiction / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency, Regency Romance
Pages: 223
Format: eBook
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The aristocratic Turvilles had always deplored an unfortunate connection with Trade through the marriage twenty years previously of the Baron’s brother with the daughter of a Yorkshire manufacturer.
But, Eugenia, only child of this marriage is not only an orphan — she is also her grandfather’s sole heir and extremely wealthy.
Keen to keep the Turville money in the family, Lady Turville deigns to overlook her niece’s rustic manners in order to force a match between Eugenia and one of her sons.
But Eugenia is not the simple country girl she was expecting…
Will Lady Turville’s plans come to pass? Could Eugenia fall for one of her cousin’s charms?
Or will she make an advantageous marriage elsewhere…?
A reader recommended this book and author, so I gave it a whirl. Normally my eyebrow goes instantly up when an author is compared to Georgette Heyer, but this comparison was fair. Maybe a bit more like Joan Smith. The humour wasn’t quite on par with Heyer, but the easy storytelling, historic details, and engaging story made this a satisfying traditional Regency.
My biggest gripe was the character development was a little stunted, but otherwise this was a breezy novel to enjoy immersion in the countryside with a minx of a cousin coming to stay with her relatives before she heads on to London for her debut. After overhearing her Aunt’s designs to marry her off to her cousins so they can secure her fortune, Ginny decides to hoax them all with an over the top northern accent and boring stories.
That is her chief entertainment until she meets neighbor Sir Peter. There are no major tropes other than some light misunderstanding and masquerading to propel the story, but it was engaging throughout. There is low angst, except a little bit of rivalry from Ginny’s manipulative cousin, and lighthearted scenes. There is only a kiss, little mature content, and no violence (except a mention of drowning a cat).
I would recommend this to readers looking for a traditional, light hearted read.
I am so thankful a reader turned me on to this author and I look forward to exploring her backlist that have been released with new covers.
