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Sir Nicholas of Dunkeathe was awarded his land and castle by King Alexander for his service. Sir Nicholas is Norman and his new home is in Scotland. In order to complete the repairs on his keep, and to be able to afford his guardsmen, Nicholas needs to marry a wealthy woman. His earnings in tournaments were used to support his younger siblings as he promised his parents he would at their deathbed.
Nicholas is a hard man. He wants nothing to do with tender feelings, and the bride he chooses will be kept at an emotional distance. He invites unmarried women with large dowries to his castle so he can choose a bride from among them. The last thing he expects is to fall in love.
Riona Mac Gordon is the niece of a thane, and is a noblewoman. Her family consists of her beloved Uncle Fergus and a cousin Kenneth. Uncle Fergus is excessively generous, to the point that he has almost beggared his own family. Riona has no dowry, only her skills in running a household frugally and efficiently. She agrees to go to the Norman’s castle in order to placate her Uncle. One reason she agrees to go to Nicholas’ castle is to prevent Uncle Fergus from giving away everything they have left. She never thought she would find an arrogant Norman attractive.
Many women arrive with relatives and chaperones and various plots to ensure they are the winner of the marital prize. Some are so determined that the other women are in danger as a result. Nicholas finds that he has created a political nightmare for himself.
The plot twists and turns in a fascinating tale of love, romance and danger.
Margaret Moore has followed her previous book, Bride of Lochbarr with another engrossing tale. Sir Nicholas was a key character in the first story, and was not a sympathetic one. I was intrigued by the way this harsh, cold man changes through the story into a man worth dreaming about. The tale is an amusing take on The Bachelor, as it would happen in medieval times. Margaret Moore is an author who uses words to fire the imagination of her readers and lead this writer into a wonderful time of escape. I highly recommend this novel, and hope to read about the third sibling, Sir Henry in the future.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
June 14, 2005
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