She didn't want to marry
Least of all a Viscount!
Marcella Cranmore wants to avoid marriage and continue
using her mathematical expertise to help her railway engineer father -- but her
mother insists on her having a season. At her first ball, Marcella's relieved
to see someone she knows, railway investor Crispin D'Aubignon. Conversing with
the viscount is safe, for she's as off-limits to him as he is to her…except
that is only increasing the fascination!
Terrific story of two people from different classes who
make a bargain to help each other and find themselves falling in love instead. Crispin,
Viscount Dellacourt, believes that the way of the future lies in technology and
industrialization and has made a fortune by investing in railroads. His father,
the earl, constantly harangues Crispin for dabbling in "trade," so
Crispin avoids him whenever possible. The book opens as Crispin pays a visit to
the office of a railway engineer, looking for a new investment opportunity.
There he meets Marcella, the engineer's daughter, who surprises him with her
wit, intelligence, and knowledge of the project. Fascinated by his conversation
with her, Crispin hopes to see her again.
Marcella loves working with her father, who willingly puts
her love of mathematics and engineering to use. She would love nothing more
than to continue her work with him, avoiding marriage for as long as possible. Crispin
impresses Marcella with his interest and understanding of the railroad engineering
process, unlike many of his peers.
I loved the first meeting between Crispin and Marcella.
Though dismissive of him at first, Crispin quickly wins her over with his
knowledge. They connect over the railroad project and in sharing their mutual
disinterest in marriage. They also experience unexpected sparks of attraction,
which each bury deep. Neither expects to see the other again except perhaps at
her father's office. Fate, however, has something else in mind.
Though Marcella intensely dislikes the aristocracy thanks
to some bad experiences in her past, her mother's dream is for her to marry a
title. Marcella agrees to participate in the Season to keep her mother happy
but vows to return at the end unwed. Unfortunately, having a considerable dowry
makes her the target of cash-poor gentlemen despite her "merchant
class" heritage. At the same time, Crispin's father insists that he court
the "Factory Heiress" as a way to replenish the estate's coffers
because marriage is the only acceptable method to do so. If he does so, the
earl will allow his wife time in London to participate in the festivities.
Because he loves his mother as much as he detests his father, Crispin agrees.
Marcella and Crispin are shocked to encounter each other
in a ballroom, especially after their discussion about marriage. Though
initially angry at what each sees as the other's deception, they discover that
both are there under duress.
I loved how
they made a deal to publicly spend time together, appearing to court, to
protect her from the bullying aspects of society and satisfying his father's
demands. They agree to a month, at which time they will part ways. Both believe
that there is no danger of developing feelings for each other.
I loved watching the development of Marcella and
Crispin's relationship. Because of their common interests and shared
disinclination for marriage, they can relax in each other's company. While
carefully toeing the line of society's rules, they spend as much time as
possible together. I loved Crispin's growing protectiveness as he witnessed the
vicious attitudes of the ton and the unwelcome attentions of one overeager
suitor. Crispin and Marcella have some wonderful scenes together as they learn more
about each other. I laughed out loud at his horror when he discovered her plans
to attend a scientific lecture wearing men's clothing and how he ended up
helping her. At the same time, Marcella teaches him about the unequal treatment
of women, especially when it comes to education. The scene in the bookstore
went a long way toward opening Crispin's eyes. I especially enjoyed their
growing respect for each other.
All too soon, both Marcella and Crispin realize that
their feelings for each other have changed. However, Marcella knows she
wouldn't fit in his world, and Crispin's witnessing of his parents' marriage
keeps him from believing long-term happiness is possible. When vicious rumors
circulate about Marcella, she breaks things off with Crispin early rather than
trap him in a marriage he doesn't want. It takes some time apart and looking at
a future without each other to realize they belong together. I loved Crispin's
big moment at the end, his vision of their future, and Marcella's dreams coming
true.
I enjoyed the inclusion of Crispin's friends Alex (
TheBluestocking Duchess) and Lattimer (
The Explorer Baroness). For Crispin and Lattimer,
Alex's sudden marriage came as a shock but seeing his happiness made Crispin reconsider
his beliefs. I also enjoyed the mention of Marcella's school friend, Miss
Henley, whose story is told in
The Awakening of Miss Henley. I enjoy it when
characters from previous books make appearances in new ones.
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