A Marquis in Want of a Wife (Liberated Ladies, 3)
1815. Prudence Scott is a rather naive young woman, more interested in scholarly pursuits than fashion, but after being seduced by the glib flattery of an accomplished rake, she needs a husband in case of pregnancy. Ross Vincent, the rather disreputable and recently widowed Marquis of Cranford, needs a mother for Jon, his infant son. Despite their reservations, they agree to wed as ‘a matter of business.’ But can this marriage of convenience become more? They are making cautious progress towards a warmer and mutually supportive relationship when disaster strikes: Ross goes missing on a voyage to the continent with supplies for the army; and in response to reports of his death at Waterloo, Jon’s maternal grandparents seize their grandchild. What should Prue do?
This is the third in the Liberated Ladies series, and although the plot feels contrived at times, this is a minor issue, since the focus is upon the growth of the characters as they adapt to each other’s needs. Despite lapses in judgement, both protagonists, fortunately, are sensible and ready to acknowledge their own flaws, to forgive as well as to seek forgiveness. Strongly recommended.
