A Proper Charade
Determined to prove to her brother, the Duke of Harrington, that she is not too frivolous to do hard work, Lady Patience Kendrick disguises herself and applies for a position as a maid in the household of his former commanding officer. General Woodsworth is not at his London residence, but his serious-minded son is. Like his staff, Anthony is charmed by this unusual new maid, for despite her incompetence she lifts everyone’s spirits; and when the lady he is courting suggests he pay attention to someone else to encourage her parents to accept his suit, he persuades Patience to play the role of a lady for this purpose. Patience and Anthony fall in love, but the obstacles are daunting.
These are the elements of farce with promising potential, but what works on the stage does not easily transfer to the novel form, even a Victorian romance. The irony of the situation and the humorous scenes are entertaining; the plot, however, not only stretches credulity but is loosely structured. For comedy, the pace is slow; for a commentary upon rigid class hierarchy and conventions governing the conduct of the upper class, it is limited by its divided focus.
Recommended to romantics.
