An Infamous Proposal (A Regency Romance) - Softcover

Smith, Joan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0449225526 ISBN 13: 9780449225523

Publisher: Fawcett Crest, 1996

Synopsis

"Fans of Joan Smith's books know they're in for rich amusement."

--Rendezvous
SHE DESIRED NOTHING MORE THAN A BIDDABLE HUSBAND. . . .
Emma, having gone at seventeen directly from her papa's home to her husband's arms, is now widowed at age twenty-two--and quite naive in the ways of the world: in particular, how to find herself another match!
Thus, she proposes to Lord Hansard, eyeing him as a husband who would let her enjoy her freedom and discourage the presence of interfering relatives. His blunt refusal is both surprising . . . and oddly disappointing.
Nick, however, has taken it upon himself to procure a suitable man for this outrageous miss, though none of the candidates are nearly as qualified as . . . well, himself. Thus Emma begins to suspect that when it comes to a decent proposal, even a gentleman has the right to change his mind. . . .

About this title

About the Author

Joan Smith lives in the suburban town of Georgetown, near Toronto, Canada. She has written more than a hundred books, many of them Regency Romances.

Review

Emma Capehart was widowed over a year ago at age twenty. Her father wishes to send her crotchety aunt Hildegarde to be her new live-in chaperone. Emma is ready to go on with her life. She wants to avoid her aunt's moving in, so she jumps back into the social scene with gusto. Nicholas Arden had been a friend of Emma and her late husband. The dashing bachelor's warmth to her in the past had led Emma to believe he would be open to a relationship with her. However, Emma throws away whatever chance she might have had with him -- she proposes to him the first time she sees him after the prescribed mourning period is over! Nick is shocked at her boldness; his Marry you ? echoes painfully in her heart. Nick does esteem Emma, however. He offers to help Emma evaluate her suitors' suitability, and she accepts. He arranges for her to meet new eligible fellows, including his cousin, Lord Philmore. Emma's father makes his own stringent standards for Emma's new love very clear. Or perhaps a Season in London would enable her to find a worthy prospect? Between Emma's feelings and Nick's judgment, it's not clear that any of the first several gentlemen Emma sees will do. Nick's new role gives Emma and Nick the opportunity to become re-acquainted under the changed circumstances of her being unmarried. Having gotten to know her assets and her needs better, Nick realizes who is the perfect man for her, and he's right under their noses. Joan Smith's storytelling is smooth -- she's mastered the special world of the Regency period. The characters' dry wit is enjoyable. She paces the resolution of the tale in a skillful, satisfying way. You'll be surprised at the whirlwind turn of events beginning with Lord Philmore's having an accident and Emma's coming to the rescue, and ending with unexpected guests at a ball held by Nick. The ending is tender and delightful.Readers who love regencies love Joan Smith! Once more, visit London in days of old -- share in the adventures of Emma and Nick as they weather the battle of the sexes. Will Fate leave them opponents or allies? More delightfully written with each succeeding chapter!Frances Mosconi -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Edition details

• Publisher: Fawcett Crest
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0449225526
• ISBN 13: 9780449225523
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 188