Review: Marriage Mart in 1814 Society, Clumsy Young Women, The Duke's Quandry,
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 18, 2014
Callie Hutton has become one of my favorite authors and I think "The Duke's Quandary" has become my favorite book she has written. Let me tell you why--Penelope Clayton! Penelope bursts on the scene muddy, constantly pushing her glasses up her nose, tripping and stumbling on her skirt, and being lost in her own world. Hers is a country world of science and botany. She is not beautiful but she is striking. Penelope reminds me of myself as a teenager.She suddenly finds herself thrust into London society because her aunt insists she go and stay with the Duke of Manchester and his family for the "Season". Penelope becomes ill at the thought. She may be a blueblood but she's never been exposed to the life of most young women of Society. She knows nothing of the expectations of a debutante or a lady of society.Drake, the Duke of Manchester, thrust into the role of leadership when his father abruptly died, is still adjusting to the role and to being in charge of his mother and five sisters. He sometimes feels like he's swimming in a sea of estrogen. When he receives notice that another young woman is arriving he groans. It is the Season and his mother and sisters are in a frenzy of shopping and having dresses made for the balls.When Penelope arrives she practically falls out of the carriage then up the steps. Holding a cup of tea in her shaking hands is near impossible. The Duke, his kind mother, and sisters are not impressed. Drake and his mother converse about this new girl and wonder how much work will have to be done to prepare her for society. They learn she can't dance a step. She can't walk across a floor without tripping especially if she doesn't wear her glasses as her aunt insists. Drake finds her digging in the garden. He can't believe his eyes and tries to explain to her that ladies never get on their knees in the mud and dig up plants. After all, that's what the gardeners are for he explains. Penelope tries to explain that she is a botanist. Drake argues that women simply don't do such things.Drake has one goal during the Society Season. He must find a wife, he cares not about love. The match must only be made with a woman who will make a perfect duchess and be fitting for that title in society. However, he finds himself trying to protect Penelope from the snarky society women who make fun of her and the men who want her for the fortune they learn she has. Drake is puzzled to find himself falling in love with this woman who is not one who would make a perfect duchess. What on earth can he do?Callie Hutton has written a great book! I rarely give five stars. When I do it's because of two reasons. First is always because I really enjoyed reading the book and second because I thought it was well written. Callie nailed it!