Series:
A Season of Celebration (Book 1)
Miss Danby's daring proposition for the duke
First, wealthy ironmaster's daughter Jessica Danby needs
a titled husband. So, upon learning that Alexander, the Duke of Malvern, needs
a rich wife, she makes a convenient proposal… Next, her impetuous marriage
offer is swiftly rejected by Alex, who wants to marry for love! Now Jessica
accepts his help in finding another suitor. But as they spend the Season by
each other's side, she realizes that their unlikely friendship is becoming
something more thrilling!
This was a good role-reversal story. Usually, the man
picks a bride using practical reasoning, while the woman wants to marry for
love. In this book, Jessica is a wealthy ironmaster's daughter. He hopes to
gain a titled son-in-law and provides Jessica with a hefty dowry. Unfortunately,
this attracts the wrong kind of suitor. Jessica looks around her and decides the
honorable Alexander, Duke of Malvern, would suit her well. He has a good
reputation, and he needs the money. The opening scene is intriguing, as she
proposes to him.
Alex is surprised by Jessica's proposal, and though her
reasoning is sound, he wants what his friends have - a marriage of love. He's
kind but adamant in his refusal, and she leaves disappointed. However, they frequently
cross paths in social settings and soon form an unusual friendship. Alex still
hopes that that bolt of lightning will hit, but he discovers that he can't keep
his mind off Jessica. There's a terrific scene where he comes to the rescue in
an awkward situation.
Eventually, Alex realizes he can't wait any longer - he
needs the cash influx to restore the castle and take care of his tenants. So he
proposes to Jessica, believing they will get along well enough. Jessica is a
little wary, worried that he will find his "soul mate" after they are
married. Immediately after the wedding, they leave for his castle. Only after
they arrived did she find out about the fires that devastated the village, and
she believed that was why he proposed. It is a misunderstanding that dents
their trust in each other.
I liked how Jessica rolled up her sleeves and got to work
helping handle the crisis. This enabled her and Alex to get to know each other
and deepen their friendship. That friendship grows into more, but Alex is still
fixated on the lightning bolt and doesn't recognize that he's fallen in love. Jessica,
too, has fallen for her husband but hesitates to say anything.
When a young woman from Alex's past shows up, Jessica
fears her worst nightmare has come true. After the conversation she overheard,
I ached for her and understood her need to get away. Alex doesn't know what
sent her running and is hurt and confused by her actions. I loved the ending,
where a combination of good advice and honest communication gives them the
marriage both wanted and neither thought they could have.
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