 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| London - 1822 It has been a year since the Duke of Dedham died, and his widow, Valencia, has relished the freedom she has had. The freedom not only from a husband she stopped loving years ago, but also from his vile behavior towards her, especially after his debilitating accident that eventually ended his life. But, after the estate searched all over for his heir, that man has suddenly arrived at Valencia's home, along with his mother and six of his sisters - the unwed ones! Valencia can tell that the new duke isn't happy with his new position in life, leaving behind his hard-won business in Wales, and he doesn't seem to be happy that Valencia is still in the house. The six sisters seem, to Valencia, to be a bit wild and unsophisticated. They clearly do not know what to expect of society in London. Valencia begins to pack, ready to leave for the only home she will have as the Dowager Duchess of Dedham - a cottage in Yorkshire. As she observes the new duke, as well as his out-of-control siblings, Valencia wishes him, and the girls, much luck in understanding the ton and what is expected of a duke and his family. Apparently, the duke is coming to terms with the same realization. Rhain, the new duke, knows that he is over his head when it comes to his new station in life. And, despite his uncertainty about the dowager duchess, he also realizes that she could be of great help in preparing his sisters for the Season. He approaches Valencia and offers to allow her to stay in the house, and he will increase her measly stipend left by her husband if she will take on the chore of getting his sisters up to snuff for London society. Rhain is relieved when Valencia agrees, and he also is quite taken with her beauty, despite her obvious coldness towards him. Corraling a group of rather uncultivated young ladies, Valencia gets her priorities in order, bringing in dressmakers, hairdressers, music teachers, and others to teach the girls how to behave, and look, in Society. It isn't easy at first, but soon Rhain notices a difference, as well as how much he wants to keep Valencia nearby. And the handsome new duke has definitely affected how Valencia feels. Book 2 of The Scandalous Ladies of London, THE DUCHESS can be read alone. Valencia has not had a happy marriage, and she's not particularly interested in trusting another man. But Rhain seems to understand women and makes a few decisions that surprise Valencia. For Rhain, all he wants to do is return to Wales, but can he do that as a duke, and keep up with what is expected of him? And will his feelings for Valencia grow? Will Valencia's change? A sweet read with delightful secondary characters, THE DUCHESS is a great way to sail into spring. Jani Brooks |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
THE SCANDLOUS LADIES OF LONDON: The Duchess- Sophie Jordan