The Duchess
For those who simply can't get enough of the fashion, food and  folly of the British upper crust, Small (Skye O'Malley, etc.)  dishes up yet another historical romance involving a couple who  find themselves at odds before learning the meaning of true love  in late-18th-century England and France. Quinton Hunter, duke of  Sedgwick, has the bluest blood in England, "even bluer than the  king's," but because his forebears gambled away the family  fortune, he is now all but bankrupt so he must find a bride who  is not only worthy but wealthy. Allegra Morgan is the daughter  of the richest man in England, but because her mother was a  woman of questionable virtue who left her husband and remarried  an Italian count, a permanent stain mars polite society's view  of her. Despite their initial dislike for one another, Quinton  and Allegra decide to follow the dictates of cultural norms and  consent to a marriage of convenience that will benefit both  families. Inevitably, they become overwhelmed by each other's  charms and love ensues. But there is no immediate happily ever  after, as the plight of a French countess in distress draws the  duo into a mission to save her from the Reign of Terror. The  French portion of this tale of two cities, coming late in the  novel and with little groundwork laid, feels as though the  author suddenly decided to add some suspense to the suds in  order to plump up the thin story. There's absolutely nothing new  between these covers, and the Scarlet Pimpernel-doings are just  silly. Hardcore fans of which Small has plenty are the only ones  who need seek entr?e to this ball. (July)Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.