The Marriage Bargain

Promises are made to be broken…

Emma had only met her young husband briefly. Spencer Keenan, the Earl of Kellworth had gallantly stepped in to save her from wedding his much older Uncle with his own marriage proposal of convenience. Emma often wondered if Spencer had ever thought of her again after he left on the morning following their nuptials to join in the fighting on the continent. The teenage bride was sent to Spencer’s vast country estate with little funds to manage it. She did her best to maintain her husband’s property, even though Emma felt that she had been abandoned. Many times over, she had imagined how she would curse Spencer for his broken promises, if she ever saw him again.

In her heart, Emma had always expected to hear news of Spence’s death in Europe, but when his coffin is brought home by his closest friends, Emma finds the shock and disappointment almost too much to bear. No one ever expected that she would demand to view his body, nor did they expect to find Spencer barely alive in the coffin.

After many days of fever and delusion, Spencer realises that the bedside angel of his dreams is actually his own wife, Emma. In his absence, she has blossomed into a beauty. Yet she is distant, thwarting any moves to get close. Emma refuses to discuss herself or the estate whilst he is recuperating. The sight of her handsome well-built husband has stirred new feelings in Emma. Even though she hates him for forcing her to struggle in poverty, she cannot help but to wish for more intimate contact with him.

Diane Perkins’ first release for Warner Forever was The Improper Wife. She also writes for Harlequin Historical (The Mysterious Miss M, The Wagering Widow) as Diane Gaston. This author’s historical romances do not just focus on typical regency dalliances; everyday issues and attitudes affecting women during the Regency period are neatly woven through her stories, and are sure to have a lasting emotional impact on readers.

The Marriage Bargain begins in an almost gothic style; a misty dawn duel and the morbid family tomb setting serve to provide an undertone of menacing foul play. Both of the romantic leads have felt burdened by the responsibilities of the privileged from a relatively young age. Spencer tries to do his best for his wife, but does not see that his inability to forgive himself for accidentally causing his older brother’s death is destroying his happiness and any chance with Emma. Emma has grown strong by necessity; she refuses to be fooled by Spence’s sweet words. She knows that Spencer will inevitably leave her again so she must guard her heart. There is a menacing thread throughout the tale and the tension quickly escalates alongside the couple’s dilemma. The romantic scenes are tender and realistic, and will add to the readers’ conclusion that the pair are made for each other. Diane Perkins’ tale is full of misunderstandings, deception and struggle, yet the hope that love will conquer all will keep your interest throughout. The Marriage Bargain is another addition to my keeper shelf. I strongly urge all fans of historicals not to miss Diane Perkins/Gaston’s romances.

Reviewed by: Naomi