In some ways, this book reminds me of Pride and Prejudice, but in a much shallower, more wooden way that also takes into account the issues of the day. The heroine is Kate Montgomery, the oldest of two daughters (but middle child). The title refers to the hero, Lord Winterton, while referencing her troubled romantic past and a neighborhood prank. In essence, when Kate was just 18, Lord Winterton's younger brother was madly in love with her, and when she refused to marry him, he stormed off to war and subsequently died of his injuries. In the meantime, she went to live with her aunt, and they traveled around the world together. Soon after her return years later, her brother and his friends overheard one of her anecdotes at a party and decided that all of them (minus the brother, obviously) proposing to her would be a fine joke. Hence the opening chapter of the story, and the title of the book to pull it all together.

The pride and prejudice part involves a large bequest from the dead suitor that Kate accepted, which the older brother thought inappropriate under the circumstances (prejudice). She refused to explain the reasons behind the bequest and its acceptance (pride).

And underlying all of this, and much of the dialogue between the hero and heroine, is the limited role of women in the society of the day. Marriage is really the only opportunity for a semblance of independence, and a career is out of the question, well, except for the oldest profession. Even running her own farm or small estate would not be acceptable, although she could afford it given the generous inheritance. The heroine quotes Mary Wollstonecraft and ponders her options and limitations as a woman. The story itself subverts the stereotype of woman as manipulative schemer. Kate does engage in some gentle, subtle direction of the young men of the neighborhood, but not for her own self interest. She even recruits Lord Winterton to assist her machinations.

The hero also turns her attention from institutional sexism to classism, and the plight of the ignorant poor. He gives her opportunities for social action. The dialogue also shares the agricultural innovations and trends of the day, mentions some key political and economic issues, and just generally does a good job portraying the historical era in terms of larger events and personal attitudes.

The characters are shallow, including the protagonists. On the other hand, unlike many modern romance writers, she doesn't rely on stock villains to drive the plot and the romance. Everyone in this story is nice but with faults. The dialogue is functional, with occasional sparkle or slog. The plot is straightforward, with three happy couples by the end (well, two for sure, and one with an understanding). There's no real tension, disagreement, or conflict, except between the two protagonists over the bequest (thus driving the tone of their interactions), which feels contrived. As I mentioned, the romance itself just feels somewhat forced. I like the story mostly because of what I learn from it. I keep it in my library not for the scintillating story but for the historical texture, I think. ( )

Kate Montgomery, on the verge of being considered a spinster, suddenly receives five marriage proposals. Kate is a nice person and not capable of hurting anyone’s feelings, so she kindly turns down each proposal. She questions the reasons and discovers that her brother is playing a joke on her.

Her brother Ralph might have thought the whole thing humorous, but not Kate. Several years earlier, the Earl of Winterton’s brother, Carl, had asked Kate to marry him. When Kate tells Carl that they would not suit since he was like a brother to her, Carl told her he would join the forces in the Peninsula. This upset Carl’s mother and his brother, the earl. When Carl died in the fighting there were some who believed her refusal had placed him in harm’s way. Following the loss of her son, Carl’s mother’s health deteriorated and a year after his death, she died. The earl, upon hearing of Kate receiving a 20,000-pound legacy from Carl and with the advent of his mother’s death laid the blame for it all on Kate.

Because of the talk in the community and the discord from Carl’s family Kate left home to live with her Aunt Eleanor. The two spent much of the next several years traveling on the continent. After five years, Kate has returned home as her Aunt Eleanor has remarried.

Kate is a fixer. She fixes situations, peoples lives, and just about anything that need attention. In addition to knowing how to run, a household Kate knows quite a bit about farming and accounting. Even though the earl is upset about his brother, he respects Kate for her kindness, sense of humor, and knowledge. A friendship blossoms between the two, yet the issue with the earl’s brother remains in the background.

Ms. Mathews does a fine job developing her characters. She also presents characters who exhibit a resemblance to real people with imperfections both real and imagined. Even though there is an abundance of characters, plots, and subplots, the writer does an excellent job of separating and linking providing the reader with a smooth easily understandable story. I especially like how the reader is exposed to literary and political characters of the time through the analysis of the characters in the book. There is discussion on women’s rights, Mary Wollstonecraft’s writings, and her lack of actual aide to the women and people of the time. In addition, Kate is exposed to the work of the famous William Wilberforce, sixteenth century abolitionist and humanitarian.

I have read a number of Ms. Mathews works and have to say I thoroughly enjoy her light romances a bit in the style of Jane Austin. I must say this book is one of her best and deserves a place on my old friend’s shelf. ( )

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