Adam Deveril is called back to England from the war against Napoleon when his father dies, and he inherits both his title, Viscount Lynton, and his father's enormous debts. Although the new Lord Lynton had planned to marry the vivacious Julia Oversley, he feels he cannot now drag her into a relationship haunted by the real possibility of total financial ruin. Instead Lord Lynton agrees to make a marriage of convenience to the daughter of a very wealthy merchant, Jenny Crawleigh, who is decidedly plain and reserved. Adam knows the union is not ideal, and is never likely to be blessed with any degree of romance, but decides to try to make the best of it by being as kind to his new wife and not let her see how he pines for the lost Julia. Jenny, on her part, is committed to make her husband "comfortable" in any way she can.
I haven't read a Georgette Heyer in a while, but I was going on vacation and decided to treat myself. This one is not my favorite of Heyer's books, but it was a very pleasant read. It is a little refreshing to read a historical romance that is not based on physical attraction. Though not as funny as some of her other books, there are some decidedly funny scenes, mostly involving Jenny's very gauche father. The overall tone is just sweet, as the two main characters learn to love, respect, and value each other. (1961, 410 p.)
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