Proper Conduct
This pleasant romance takes place almost exclusively on country estates during the Regency period. The primary interaction takes place between an independent, intelligent woman and a proud man with grace and talent. Both of these individuals mistake the other in motivation, prejudice and intent, causing distress, but not fatal errors. Yes, there are a number of parallels to Pride and Prejudice, but what better model could a book aspire to? The handsome half-Gypsy Lord Nevin mistakes Penelope’s reserve for ethnic bias, but discovers she merely thinks him out to take advantage of her father because of his last name. She thinks he is like her ex-fiancé who ran for the hills when her father’s fortune crashed, but rallies to his defense when the local set sniffs haughtily at his background. A second couple also stumbles their way toward romance through books and poetry. Add a gentle, ailing mother to provide sweetness, a wild stallion, and a buried treasure in the mansion to this mix. The result is quite enjoyable to read as well as satisfying to finish.
