Cathy Maxwell, Bedding the Heiress

Bedding the Heiress

Cathy Maxwell

Avon, Apr 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 0061121800

In 1807, Phillip Maddox gives up his claim to being a duke to his recently-discovered older twin Justin, who was snatched as an infant and raised as a blacksmith. Phillip is comfortable with doing the honorable thing, but Justin is not as he is a Scot not an Englishman. One thing he does is hide the "Sword of the Mackenna" that in either the wrong English or Scottish hands would mean war.

Heiress Francesca Dunroy enjoyed the attention of rake Lord Penthorpe following a sheltered life in which her mother died two years ago and her father instantly remarried a woman younger than her. However, she realized Penthorpe is no good as he stole her mom's necklace and is blackmailing her for its return.

Phillip accepts an invitation to the Dunroy party as a minor first appearance for his brother as the duke. Because Justin will be there, the small party becomes the event of the season. Justin hates the gala so he hides in the library only to have Francesca arrive. He kisses her just before Penthorpe comes to demand Francesca give him 1000 pounds if she wants her necklace back. Justin wants Francesca but assumes she is Penthorpe's mistress; besides he distrusts females after the betrayal of his ex-wife. As he becomes entangled in Francesca's affairs they fall in love until his Scottish past arrives with a vengeance.

Justin is a fresh character struggling between his old world and his new while his beloved Francesca is an out-of-control heiress who tries to protect her reputation, only making it worst with every bold breech of etiquette she manages to make. The support cast are solid as they bring out the best and worst of the era. Though there is much less action involving the potential Scottish rebellion than in Phillip's tale (see In the Bed of a Duke), Regency fans will appreciate the anointing of the new Duke.

Harriet Klausner