Just One Of Those Things
Gabriel, the Marquess of Thayne, has just returned from India and is out to view potential debutantes for a possible future wife. Meanwhile, Lady Beatrice Somerfield is chaperoning her very eligible and daring niece, Emily, at a masked ball. The Lady belongs to a group who call themselves the Merry Widows and vow to each take a lover. But that’s hardly on Beatrice’s mind when she meets a masked stranger who immediately restores her long-forgotten passionate desire. Will there be a significant conflict between aunt and niece? Gabriel’s family approves of Emily and so Gabriel agrees to pursue her, but his heart and head definitely tell him otherwise. What would be the scandal in 1813 London if he decided to marry his own “choice” instead of society’s obvious selection? And what would be the outcome after the Lady informs Gabriel that she really doesn’t wish to marry again? Will he take her for a mistress or abandon her? Hern has created very real characters with stirring passion but also intelligence, wit, and personalities that break the stereotypical 19th century social standards. Her descriptions of that period’s costumes and clothing are vivid and accurate. Overall, Just One of Those Flings is a terrific read for those who love historical romance or the exotic in 19th century historical fiction.
