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Book Review of Bething's Folly

Bething's Folly
Bething's Folly
Author: Barbara Metzger
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Paperback
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Helpful Score: 1


Lord Alexander receives a hurried communication from his father, the Duke of Carlyle. When he arrives, his father lying abed extracts a promise from his son to marry as quickly as possible. The Duke is implying that he doesn't have long to live. Alexander is an attractive man who enjoys his pleasures but figures he needs to agree to his father's desire. Thus, they have a grand party, inviting all the London and local misses to the soiree (so Alexander can look them over). After doing his duty at the party for some hours, Alexander decides to hide out in the library for a while.

Alexander and his circle of men are not impressed with most of the young ladies of their acquaintance. They talk about the fact that the ladies are lovely and friendly until the man is trapped in marriage, then the young ladies turn into shrews. The men have even joined a jackpot -- whoever avoids marriage the longest wins the jackpot.

When Alexander walks into the library, he meets someone completely different. Elizabeth owns a horse farm and is not looking for a husband. In fact, she's not happy to be at the party, because she doesn't want to lose her independent life for a ring. Alexander is intrigued by the young lady and goes to see her stud farm the next day. One thing leads to another.

I think this is Barbara Metzger's first book and the humor is emerging (but not as pronounced as it will get with later books). My one gripe is the "big misunderstanding" but the author handles it rather well. A delightful story.