Confusing titles; Hero is the Earl of Yorkleigh is also called Lord Philip; s/b Lord Yorkleigh. Heroine is a marchioness on her own right, which she became after her father's death, unless under rare circumstances. Per Jo Beverley's (well-known and respected historical romance writer,
"The English peerage basically runs according to primogeniture, ie the eldest son gets nearly everything. If a peer has no eldest son, the title and possessions that belong to it go to the next male heir, probably a brother or nephew.
There are a very few titles that can pass to a female if there is no direct heir, but they will revert to the male line when the lady bears a son. (Such as the monarchy.) Some titles can automatically pass through a female heir (when there is no male heir) and most can be revived by subsequent generations by petitioning to the Crown.'
"The English peerage basically runs according to primogeniture, ie the eldest son gets nearly everything. If a peer has no eldest son, the title and possessions that belong to it go to the next male heir, probably a brother or nephew.
There are a very few titles that can pass to a female if there is no direct heir, but they will revert to the male line when the lady bears a son. (Such as the monarchy.) Some titles can automatically pass through a female heir (when there is no male heir) and most can be revived by subsequent generations by petitioning to the Crown.'
This book is truly a hidden treasure! Wonderful, compelling, great dialogue and a powerful story about a woman willing to do anything to remain hidden from her cousin, even escaping from Bedlahm and hiding in the boot of a carriage to get as far away as possible! One of the best books I have read all year, my hope is that the author publishes again soon and often. 5 stars.
