Noblesse Oblige

Marianne Noble’s occupation as a ladies companion leaves a lot to be desired. She has suffered for several years under her employer, Mrs. Middleton’s whims and wishes. She meets Mr. Jerome Rivers on their latest trip. Mrs. Middleton takes a fancy to him herself. However, it is Marianne who wins the heart of Mr. River as he proposes marriage to her. She is shocked to find out who he really is and her new status as his wife brings danger to them both.

Coming from a large family and a vicar’s daughter to boot, Marianne is a very sensible woman. She doesn’t consider herself to be beautiful but her true essence comes through. She is intelligent, kind and slightly naļve. Jerome is the epitome of “knight in shining armor”. He sweeps Marianne away from her drudgery and places her at the top of English society. Having endured an arranged marriage that ended in tragedy, he marries for love the second time around. The tenderness and pampering he surrounds Marianne with is touching. These two seem to be made for each other. The author defines their character from the start of the story and follows it through to the end. Their characterization doesn’t stray from this readers’ first impression of them. It is without a doubt that their marriage will last.

The secondary characters that inhabit this story are plentiful. From Frederick, Sir Piers and of course, Mrs. Middleton – they all enhance the story line. It was refreshing to see a positive mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship as the dowager duchess was a delight. Of course, the mystery of who is trying to kill off Jerome and Marianne is neatly solved by the end of the book.

Noblesse Oblige is another wonderful novel from Ms. Connolly. This reader has read all her historical novels and has enjoyed them all. Rich in detail, Ms. Connolly shows how much research has gone into her works. The reader will be transported to the time period. Lovers of regency romances with a touch of eroticism will adore this book!

Reviewed by: Susan T