The Ladies’ Society for the Betterment of the Future of Britain
– quite the fancy term for meddling or matchmaking. In their concern for
future generations, these ladies have taken it upon themselves to create suitable matches
for their offspring in post-regency England. Lady Pennington is only too pleased to offer
her son as the society’s first project.
Miss
Gwendolyn Townsend has been summoned by a solicitor, a Mr. Whiting. Gwen has to wonder
what news he has for her. She has already accepted the fact that, being born female, she
was unable to inherit her father’s estate upon his death. For five years, Gwen has
taken many governess positions while accepting her new station in life. What could
possibly be worse for Mr. Whiting to contact her, and have her sail home to England at the
first possible opportunity? Mr. Whiting informs Gwen that an error had been made and that
she now has a home and an income. She can scarcely believe it! Why did it take Mr. Whiting
five years to find her?
Now
that Gwen has received this wonderful news, there is a contingency. In order to be able to
completely be free of worrying about her future, and for the settlement of sums from her
father’s estate, Gwen must marry. Gwen is livid. Her personal experiences and
observations leave her quite disillusioned about marriage. There’s more news –
not so wonderful this time - Gwen’s father has arranged for a specific husband.
Gwen’s father struck a deal with his old friend, the previous Earl of Pennington,
that if both Gwen and the earl’s son were unmarried when the son reached thirty years
of age, he would marry Gwen. Well, what does Gwen think of this? She’s had enough bad
experiences to last a lifetime, now she has to participate in an arranged marriage? Are
there any more surprises in store?
Marcus
Holcroft, the eighth Earl of Pennington, receives a summons from his father’s
solicitor, Mr. Whiting. On his way to see Mr. Whiting, Marcus runs right into a spitfire
of a woman with blazing blue eyes. The enigma who just flew past him has caught his
interest. If Marcus does not marry Gwen, he will lose his entire fortune. This does not
just affect Marcus, as his has many responsibilities. Is she intriguing enough for Marcus
to deal well with the news that Ms. Gwendolyn Townsend is soon to be his wife?
Things
are not cut and dry in LOVE WITH THE PROPER HUSBAND. Albeit reluctantly - with fast
talking and a bit of humor - Marcus tries to insist Gwen marry him. Marcus is a determined
man. He’s gone so far as to determine that the reason he did not marry for so long
was fate. He feels fate is what brought him and Gwen together, so he schemes to convince
her to marry him. Upon reflection, and learning more about what Mr. Whiting had to tell
her, Gwen realizes she has very good reasons for marrying Marcus. However, her
independence and outspokenness presents a challenge to Marcus. Though shocked, Marcus
accepts the terms and conditions of their proposed marriage.
LOVE
WITH THE PROPER HUSBAND is a story that has elements of humor and family values. I enjoyed
Gwen. She is forthright, loyal and determined, with a delightful sense of humor. Gwen also
has an incredibly sensitive side. Marcus was truly honorable and decent, and it was easy
to see he would make Gwen a remarkable husband, even with the terms she set. This touching
story begins with an amusing introduction, tells an entertaining tale of two people
finding love, and concludes on a heartfelt note.
Reviewed
by Robin Taylor for The Road to Romance
August
3, 2003 |
