Blame It on the Duke
Miss Alice Tombs has no intention of getting married. A scholar and accomplished linguist, she is contentedly translating, from the original Sanskrit, a manuscript which she plans to deliver to scholars in India. Her parents have other plans for her, however, and when her father wins a duke’s son in a game of cards, she finds herself with a fiancé. The Marquess of Hatherly has no interest in marriage either, but as a way out of their quandary he suggests a marriage of convenience, leaving both free to live their own lives and pursue their own interests.
Since this is a Regency romance, they do, of course, fall in love, despite complications on the way. Nor does it hurt that she is interested in doing some ‘background research’ on the subject of her manuscript, which is none other than a fragment of the Kama Sutra. And who better to assist than a notorious rake?
There are serious issues here too, not only the situation of women, but also the horrific treatment of lunatics; and the hero’s unexpected respect and compassion for society’s victims are what really distinguish him. Despite the unwieldy plot structure, Regency lovers will find much to enjoy.
