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This is one of several novels that launches the HQN line. Kasey Michaels has written both contemporary and historical novels. She has a light touch with humor, and THE BUTLER DID IT is no exception.
Morgan Drummond and Emma Clifford meet in unusual circumstances. She is renting rooms in his London townhouse along with an odd assortment of others. However, Morgan has no idea this is occurring. He shows up unexpectedly and throws everyone into turmoil. Morgan finds himself sponsoring Emma in order to help her find a husband, but soon realizes he'd much rather she married him instead. Now he has to convince her.
Morgan Drummond, Marquis of Westham is returning to town after five years in the country. He has changed from Mad Morgan to boring Morgan. He doesn't expect to find the house has been rented to several strangers by his butler. He intends to evict them immediately, after all, he is a Marquis and it can only harm his reputation to have boarders. The ton might think he is impoverished!
Miss Emma Clifford has paid her rent for the Season, and will not allow Westham to evict her family. She has come to make an advantageous marriage to save her family from their genteel poverty. Her grandmother, Fanny Clifford, her beautiful, but dimwitted mother, Daphne, who thinks in Capital Letters and her brother, Clifford Clifford, accompanies her. Fanny is at times excessively plain spoken, Daphne is the stereotypical fluttering female, and Cliff wants to make his mark in London. Emma is the leader of the family despite her age, and she doesn't hesitate to blackmail Morgan. After all, her mother's dearest friend is Lady Sally Jersey.
Watching these two fall in love is very enjoyable. There are several subplots involving a con artist, an always-eating seamstress, and Morgan's interaction with his butler, Thornley. Kasey Michaels has written this book in the style of older Regency novels, such as Georgette Heyer's writing. She introduces the characters in the beginning, and then sets them to interacting. She adds occasional comments throughout the book, almost like a wink at the reader from the author. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion as I read this book, and can recommend it without hesitation. If this is a sample of HQN's quality, I'll be purchasing many of their books.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
July 20, 2004
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