Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
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 (The Bluestocking 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.
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 (The Bluestocking 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.
