The Convenient Marriage

Heyer, Georgette. (2008 reprint). The Convenient Marriage. Naperville, IN: Sourcebooks Casablanca.

ISBN: 9780099474425

Pages: 307

Annotation: Horatia finds there might be love in marriage after all.

Summary: Horatia marries a wealthy earl so her sister can marry for love. She does not count on love being a part of her marriage. She is not pretty, wealthy and she stammers. If love is not possible in her marriage why not use her husband’s money to become the talk of London instead? Unfortunately, success comes at the price of a risky reputation and attention from a very rakish man. When Horatia becomes caught in a situation that could ruin her reputation it is up to those she can count on to keep it from her husband. A thought she had not considered is that maybe she is wrong about her husband and maybe love can be found in her marriage after all.

Evaluation: good read

This book was a mixed bag. Horatia’s character annoyed me. At first I liked her because she wanted her sister to be happy and saw love as being more important than wealth. My goodwill faded when she promptly started behaving idiotically after her marriage. I can see some acting out due to, she feels, there not being love in her marriage. What annoyed me was that it felt as if  her behavior came more from immaturity than mourning love. Mentioning immaturity brings me to another area of disapproval: she is seventeen and marries a thirty five year old! The age difference was offsetting enough, but when combined with Horatia’s behavior, put a damper reading the book for the romance. This is too bad because I liked the Earl of Rule: a man who likes being on the sidelines but has a quick mind and is patient with those he loves. Otherwise I liked the book a lot. The portrayal of society was interesting: lots of mention of fashion, etiquette, etc. The plot was unbelievable, but in such a way that I enjoyed it: a kidnapping, noblemen acting as highwaymen for one particular chaise, etc. The behavior of the other characters besides Horatia caused me to laugh a lot. I was initially very put off by her brother due to his excessive gambling, but the hijinks he got into made me laugh a lot. How someone can be so feckless but loyal, witty but foolish and knowledgeable but not was amusing. Mr. Drelincourt was so ridiculous I groaned but then also laughed at his behavior. He gets into a duel because of damage to his wig! The amusement value and portrayal of society is enough to get the book a good rating. This book is a good read for those who like the Regency and/or a book with behavior so ridiculous it causes laughter.

What else to read:

Other books by Georgette Heyer.

The Private World of Georgette Heyer by Jane Aiken Hodge for more about the author.

Check out the entries for False Colours and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall for more suggestions.