|
|
See Larger
|
A Matter of Class
By:
Mary Balogh
List Price: $15.95
Your Price: $10.85
(as of: 09/08/10)
Manufacturer: Vanguard Press
ISBN: 1593155549
Publication Date: 2009-12-29
|
|
Product Description:
Just in time for Valentine's Day, from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh comes yet another classic historical tale that sizzles with romance and unforgettable drama. Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. However, he is not a gentleman by title, a factor that pains him and his father within the Regency society that upholds station over all else. That is, until an opportunity for social advancement arises, namely, Lady Annabelle Ashton. Daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, a neighbor and enemy of the Mason family, Annabelle finds herself disgraced by a scandal, one that has left her branded as damaged goods. Besmirched by shame, the earl is only too happy to marry Annabelle off to anyone willing to have her. Though Reginald Mason, Senior, wishes to use Annabelle to propel his family up the social ladder, his son does not wish to marry her, preferring instead to live the wild, single life he is accustomed to. With this, Reginald Senior serves his son an ultimatum: marry Annabelle, or make do without family funds. Having no choice, Reginald consents, and enters into a hostile engagement in which the prospective bride and groom are openly antagonistic, each one resenting the other for their current state of affairs while their respective fathers revel in their suffering. So begins an intoxicating tale rife with dark secrets, deception, and the trials of love—a story in which very little is as it seems.
|
|
|
The Earl of Havercroft, his wife, and his daughter Lady Annabelle Ashcroft, live on a beautiful estate in Wiltshire. Bernard Mason, an enormously wealthy self-made man lives on an adjoining property with his wife and son, Reginald. More than anything else in the world Bernard wants to see his family socially accepted by the ton and Reggie has been given every benefit that peers of the realm provide for their sons in the hope that an advantageous marriage will be made. Unfortunately, Havercroft loathes all of the Masons, refuses to acknowledge them, and has forbidden his wife and daughter to have any contact with this social-climbing family.
Annabelle has always been the perfect daughter and the Marquess of Illingsworth is ready to offer for her hand in marriage. This is good, as Havercroft is financially overextended due to bad investments. Unfortunately, Illingsworth has dubious personal hygiene habits, and is a head shorter than Annabelle. She isn’t willing to bail her father out, so she runs away with her coachman. Before her father catches up with them on their way to Gretna Green, practically everyone who is anyone sees them together. Havercroft must find a husband for her soon to save what might be left of her reputation. But, oh dear Lord, must it be that loathsome Reginald Mason?
Reggie has suddenly turned into a real “fop”, spending vast sums of money on his wardrobe, horses, and carriages, and managing to lose even larger amounts of money at the gaming tables. Bernard is fed up, and when he learns of his nemesis’s daughter’s predicament, he informs Reggie that he must offer for Lady Annabelle or all of his funds will be cut off. Reggie is willing to make his own way before accepting this, but has second thoughts. It’s not like he and Annabelle will be joined at the hip.
The indomitable Mary Balogh drolly pokes fun of the class system in Regency England, and gifts the reader with a thoroughly delightful tale. A MATTER OF CLASS is skillfully plotted, with beautiful and slightly flawed characters, superb story threads, and a little intrigue. Altogether, this is a charming and witty romance that will keep you smiling from start to fantastic finish. What a great way to start off a New Year!
|
|
|
| By: Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.com
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
4.5 Stars - I'll put this one on my keeper shelf: (2010-09-03)
Plot Summary: Reginald Mason is a dissolute gambler with a wealthy, but hopelessly bourgeois father. Lady Annabelle Ashton is a ruined young lady with a bankrupt, but aristocratic father. Their fathers have maintained a cold war for years, but now they see an opportunity to punish their children while helping themselves immeasurably. Reginald's father will finally attain a kind of status within the ton, and Annabelle's father will save his family from financial ruin. What do the young people have to say about this arranged marriage? Plenty, and the dialog is lively enough to generate sparks. A Matter of Class is like a jewel. It is small, bright and precious. When I first heard about this novel, I was perplexed that a tiny story of 190 pages was being published in a hardcover format (albeit, a small, hand-sized version). After reading the story I finally understand why they decided to go this route, because this book will undoubtedly be placed upon many a readers' keeper shelves, and reread over the years to come. I ran a search on my blog just to be certain, but this is my first experience with Mary Balogh's work. Whenever I discover a new-to-me author who is well-established and beloved by legions of fans, I always wonder where have I been this whole time? Have I been living under a literary rock? No matter, I have found her now, and I'll have to scan her backlists for something wonderful to try (fans of Ms. Balogh, please speak up and tell me your favorites). That's all I'm going to say about this story, which hasn't been much I know, but any historical romance fan will enjoy this one. I can't go into details because it has a twist that is worth experiencing unsullied. Because it is so short and sweet, be sure to save it for an afternoon when you can relax, and read it all in one go.
Very classy!: (2010-07-06)
I am glad I did not pay any attention to the negative reviews. One of the best written novellas out there - but that is after all expected from Mary Balogh. From small nuances to hilarious situations, from poignancy to believable dialogues - it was just as another reviewer said : A tasty morsel. The twist is fairly obvious after the first chapter, so no surprizes there. If the price seems a tad high for you (for me, I would rather read quality than trashy quantity), borrow and read. But read it nonetheless. Five stars!
|
|
|
)
