There are so many things I loved about The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer, but there are a few little hiccoughs that held this one back from being a sparkling gem like, say, Venetia. (Love, love, love Venetia!!). I'm not sure when I enjoyed reading a first meeting between two principals, Horatia Winwood and Marcus Drelincourt, Earl of Rule, more. Horatia 'Horry' may be very young, just 17, but I loved her boldness, her fearlessness, her honesty, and her determination. In one fell swoop, Horry frees her older sister, Lizzie, from an unwanted match with the Earl of Rule, ensures Lizzie will marry her true love, Edward Heron, and replenishes the depleted Winwood fortunes. How does a young lady of little beauty, no fortune, a regrettable stammer, and Kahlo-esque eyebrows persuade a man-of-the-world like Marcus Drelincourt, Earl of Rule, to marry her? Well, she charms the pantaloons off him for starters. Of course employing a surprising frontal attack to peaking his interest also didn't hurt her case either.'I'm Horry Winwood.''Horry', he repeated.'Horatia,' she explained. 'It is an odious name, isn't it? I was given it on account of Mr. Walpole. He is my godfather, you understand.''Perfectly,' bowed his lordship.'you must forgive me for being so dull-witted, but would you believe it? - I am still quite in the dark.' (pp. 20-21)Although Rule has no idea why Horry has come to his home at this point, this first meeting sets the stage for the rest of their exchanges throughout The Convenient Marriage. I particularly enjoyed Rule's patience and tenderness and humor as he tries to keep up with Horry and her shenanigans, and their first conversation delightfully highlights all of these elements. I loved her too honest explanation of how Charlotte, the middle Winwood sister, 'shrinks from the idea of m-making such a sacrifice, even for Lizzie's sake' as well as Rule's suppressed (but just barely) laughter. Horry, you see, is to be 'the Sacrifice.' 'Have I said s-something I shouldn't?' inquired Horatia doubtfully.'On the contrary,' he replied. 'Your conversation is most salutary, Miss Winwood.''You are laughing at me,' said Horatia accusingly. I d-daresay you think I am very stupid, sir, but indeed, it is most serious.''I think you are delightful,' said Rule.(p. 22)Horry then spills the beans on how Pelham, her brother, has a fondness for gambling, that Lizzie the Beauty is in love with Edward, and that Charlotte has vowed never to marry. She very forthrightly makes no claim to beauty like Lizzie (though she does have 'the Nose') and lists all her shortcomings:Horatia seemed determined to make a clean breast of her blemishes. 'A-and perhaps you could become used to my eyebrows?'The smile lurked at the back of Rule's eyes. 'I think, quite easily.'She said sadly, 'They won't arch, you know. And I ought to t-tell you that we have quite given up hope of my growing any taller.''It would remain a pity if you did,' said his lordship.'D-do you think so?' Horatia was surprised. 'It is a great trial for me, I can assure you.' She took a deep breath, and added, with difficulty: 'You m-may have n-noticed that I have a - a stammer.''Yes, I had noticed,' the Earl answered gently.'If you f-feel you c-can't bear it, sir, I shall quite understand,' Horatia said in a small, anxious voice.'I like it,' said the Earl. (p. 24)It's the 18-year age difference, however, that makes Rule reluctant to go forward with Horry's plan. But Horry assures him the difference is not an issue for her, that she, in fact, wants to marry him. Further, she promises not to 'interfere' in his life, i.e., his mistress. I think the age difference didn't bother me so much because Rule recognizes she is just too young, she isn't ready to settle down. His gentle but firm manner allows her to play at being an adult, to sow a few wild oats as he waits and watches over Horry till she matures. His patience and understanding with Horry's immaturity was one the reasons I fell in love with Rule.After they marry, Horry gets quite a name for herself with her madcap exploits, not the least of which is an unfortunate gambling habit coupled with the Winwood bad luck, racing gigs to St. James on a dare, spending way too much money on all the latest fashions, and befriending Lord Lethridge, not only 'the wildest rake in town' but also a man Rule is rumored to have fought a duel with over Louisa, Rule's sister, years ago. Though Rule doesn't stifle Horry, he's always there quietly and firmly setting things to rights as she entangles herself in scandal after scandal. Even Louisa, who genuinely likes Horry, is exasperated with her antics, concerned that he not only appears foolish but that she'll ruin him socially and financially. When she admonishes him to 'take a stick and beat her', he languidly objects because it would just be too 'fatiguing.' Horry was like a kid in a toy store with an American Express 'black card' for such a long time that I confess I lost patience with her, especially when she flounces. Yes, she's young, but heaven save me from a flouncer!There are a a few times when I noticed Horry is perhaps not particularly proud of her actions. When Lizzie marries her Edward, Horry is aware that Lizzie has probably heard about some of her exploits and is reluctant to engage in 'intimate conversation' with her sister. This seems to show she is embarrassed and maybe a little ashamed. But I also think some of Horry's reluctance for a heart-to-heart with Lizzie is based on a little envy of her sister's love match, a marriage she's just beginning to want with Rule. I also wondered if some of her outrageous behavior was just a way to lure Rule's attention away from Lady Massey, his mistress. Her burgeoning affection for Rule is both confusing and confining to her. After all, she promised not to interfere in his lifestyle, but I think by this time she's yearning for the kind of marriage Lizzie and Edward will have.When and how Horatia falls in love with Rule was a bit muddied and pretty much all 'off screen.' In fact, I was sure she was more interested in Lethridge than Rule for a long time. But there was this surprising glimpse into Horry's thoughts when people began to couple her name with Lethridge's.Attracted to Lethridge she might be, but there was a very cogent reason why she should not be in the least in love with him. The reason stood well over six foot in height, and was going to be shown, in vulgar parlance, that what was sauce for the goose could be sauce for the gander as well.' (p. 149)The sauce being, of course, Lady Massey, and whether Rule is in love with his mistress. So I had to go back and re-read the part where Horry learns just exactly who Lady Massey is. She had had no idea that Lady Massey, whom she's acquainted with, is also Rule's mistress. That bit of information was spitefully hinted at by Crosby Drelincourt, Rule's cousin and heir presumptive and a ridiculous 'Macaroni', as payback for Horry's mockery of his foppishness one night at the opera and was his way to ensure Rule and Horatia's marriage remains 'convenient' and not a love match. Then Horatia sees Rule at Lady Massey's box during intermission, questions her brother, Pelham, and receives confirmation of that lady's status. The candid green eyes lifted to his face. 'Is R-Rule in love with Lady M-Massey?' Horatia asked bluntly.'Oh, nothing like that!' the Viscount assured her. 'These little affairs don't mean being in love, y'know. Burn it, Horry, Rule's a man of the world! There's nothin in it, my dear gal - everyone has 'em.' Horatia glanced across at Lady Massey's box again, but the Earl had disappeared. She swallowed before replying: ' I kn-know. P-please don't think that I m-mind, because I d-don't. Only I think m-might have been told.''Well, to tell you the truth, I thought you must know,' said Pelham. 'It's common knowledge, and it ain't as though you married Rule for love, after all.''N-no,' agreed Horatia, rather forlornly. (pp. 111-112)She may not have married Rule for love but it's clear that by this time Horatia's emotions are engaged. Why else would she be 'forlorn' when confronted with evidence of the thing she swore not to interfere with? So perhaps 'muddied' isn't the best word to describe Horatia's journey to falling in love. Perhaps 'subtle' is a much better descriptor. More importantly, I realized this book is much more weighted on Rule's journey than Horry's. He is the star of this show.One of the first 'aha!' scenes in which Rule's nascent feelings for Horry (as well as Horatia's for Rule, I might add) are shown beautifully was in a conversation that ostensibly deals with Horatia's outrageous behavior but also has these tantalizing threads of his yearning for a closer relationship with her. Horatia, returning from a visit to her mother, is petulantly defiant with Rule's request for a moment of her time after she discovers Louisa has been discussing her latest exploits with Rule and suggested that he beat her with a stick.Across the wide stretch of hall the Earl's eyes met and held hers. 'Horry,' he said pleasantly, 'you know how much I dislike exertion. Don't put me to the trouble of fetching you.'The chin came down a little, and the smouldering eyes showed a certain speculative interest. 'C-carry me, do you m-mean? I wonder if you would?'The gravity in Rule's expression was dispelled by slight look of amusement. 'And I wonder whether you really think that I would not?' He said. (p. 79)Horatia is more upset that Rule offered no defense of her to Louisa than talking behind her back or the threat of a beating. Rule explains that Horry makes it hard to defend her when she seems hell bent on shocking the Ton with one outrageous escapade after another. Horatia has been very busy indeed including loosing 'a wild animal on Polite Circles', allowing said 'wild animal', aka a monkey, to visit Rule's breakfast table before he himself enjoys breakfast, not to mention an appallingly thick sheaf of unpaid bills Horry has racked up. One bill in particular has him puzzled and a bit worried:'But - forgive my curiosity, Horry - do you invariably pay a hundred and twenty guineas for a pair of shoes?''What?' shrieked Horatia. The Earl showed her the bill. She stared at it with dawning consternation. 'Oh!' she said. 'I-I remember now. You s-see, Marcus, they - they have heels studded with emeralds.''Then the matter becomes comprehensible.' (p. 81)You just have to love a man who understands paying mega bucks for shoes. Though he has couched this discussion in terms of questioning Horry's extravagances as well as curbing her desire to shock the Ton, it is his next statement that points to a more relevant reason for this 'Come to Jesus' meeting. 'I wore them at the Subscription Ball at Almack's. They are called venez-y-voir, you know.''That would account, no doubt,' remarked Rule, 'for the presence of the three young gentlemen whom I found - er - assisting you at your toilet that evening.''B-but there is nothing in that, Rule!' objected Horatia, lifting her downcast head. ' it is quite the thing for gentlemen to be admitted as soon as the under-dress is on. I know it is, b-because Lady Stokes d-does it. They advise one how to p-place one's p-patches, and where to bestow one's flowers, and what p-perfume to use.'If the Earl of Rule found anything amusing in being instructed by his bride in the art of dalliance the only sign he gave of it was the very faintest quiver of the lips. 'Ah!' he said. 'And yet -' he looked down at her, half-smiling - 'And yet I believe I might advise you in these matters to even better purpose.''B-but you're my husband,' Horatia pointed out.He turned back to the bills. 'That is undoubtedly a handicap,' he admitted. (pp. 81-82)He laughs with her about the monkey stealing Crosby's wig, lightly dismisses her allowing the monkey to dine at his breakfast table, and commiserates on the exorbitant price of being fashionable, but he stumbles a bit on the words 'found -er assisting' her toilet. So I asked myself: Why was he visiting her boudoir while she's dressing, hmmmm? A reconnaissance mission maybe on the state of Horatia's emotions? At the very least it signifies more than just curiosity about his wife. Plus, he actively seeks her out not only this time but others as well. Though he still appears amused by Horry's behavior, I believe there was a little disappointment that she turned to those 'young' men for assistance with patches, etc. There's also the fact that he has begun to pull away from Caroline Massey. The lady herself notes as much soon after this scene.Rule's hides his disappointment of his wife's allowing 'young' gentleman into her boudoir behind a languidly ironic admission that being a husband is indeed a disadvantage, but this is not the only clue that he sees, or is beginning to see, Horatia as more than a 'convenient' wife. Rule is completely imperturbable as far as Horatia's shocking behavior, showing no more than a consistently placid humorous acceptance of all of her peccadilloes. Except for one thing. He is indeed worried, very worried, about her 'excessive gaming.' Her inability to pay her bills from his very generous provisions troubles him enough that instead of a languid smile and an airy dismissal, he ...frowns. I wasn't sure Rule knew how to frown till now. He laid the bills down. 'Pharaoh, Horry?''Oh n-no, not all of it!' she said eagerly, glad to be able to produce an extenuating circumstance. 'B-basset!''I see.'The note of amusement had left his voice; she ventured to raise her eyes, and saw something very like a frown on his face. (pp. 82-83)He's not even aware of the frown till Horry points it out, and he quickly reverts to the 'frippery fellow' who finds most things in life, er, fatiguing. If this were a game of poker, Rule just gave away his hand. Unfortunately, Horatia doesn't recognize it for what it is.Rule is such wonderful character. To misquote Ogden Nash, Rule would have been content to live his life 'in nonchalance and insouciance were it not for' loving Horatia 'which is rather a nouciance' for him, I'm sure. He is a steel trap wrapped in blue velvet, with a fall of lace ruffles and a perruque a bourse who languidly pinches snuff, eschews an involvement in 'Politicks' and 'Debates in the House' for invitations to card parties written on pink paper, and enjoys making life for his 'prince of a secretary' Mr. Gisborne the veriest trial. Yet the man who just can't be arsed engages in a sword fight for his wife's honor with Lethridge that rivals the one between Inigo Montoya and Westley. Rule who upon learning of his cousin's involvement in coupling Lethridge's name with Horatia's tells Crosby he's lucky Pelham fought a duel with him because he would have used a cane on him instead of a small word and cuts Crosby off financially. How energized Rule becomes where Horatia is concerned! Not to mention the Mysterious Man in the Scarlet Domino. What a great scene that was! For my tastes, I didn't care for Lady Massey's continued presence, though admittedly tangential and infrequent, after Horry and Rule's marriage. There are only a few exchanges between the two - one before the marriage (the most bothersome for me) but after Rule's engagement, Rule's infamous visit to Lady Massey's opera box after their marriage, and a classic misunderstanding scene Horry witnesses at Vaux Hall. While I didn't like the way Lady Massey was painted broadly as the stereotypical manipulative other woman, I found Rule's willingness to continue seeing her after he marries Horry despite knowing that she is not and never will be faithful to him a little repulsive. He tells Caroline that he didn't ask her to marry him because marriage with him would be dull and:'You see, my dear, to use your own words, you would have to love me - only me.' (p. 58)I suppose it's in character for him (at that particular time) to just continue seeing Caroline Massey since he would probably consider it too 'fatiguing' to find another mistress while he waited for Horatia to grow up. But that smacks of shallowness of character as well as a healthy dose of Ye Olde Double Standard crap to me. I was encouraged, however, to see that the more Horatia becomes a part of his life and his heart, the more he pulls away from Caroline Massey. Additionally, the ending was a little abrupt. I really wish some of the latter hi-jinks with Pelham, his friend, Pom, and Captain Heron had been shortened in favor of a little longer ending between Horry and Rule. Although I will admit I laughed out loud at the scene of these three and Hawkins the Highwayman teaming up to waylaying unsuspecting travelers along the road to London. I loved the light and playful tone as well as the humor sprinkled throughout The Convenient Marriage. When Rule is on stage, he really is the star, a very strong charismatic personality, and one I enjoyed reading a lot. Though Horatia's wore on my nerves a bit (just say no to flouncing!), I loved her imperfection. Lethridge as the villain is very well realized and almost as fascinating as Marcus Drelincourt, the Earl of Rule is. That's one book I wish had been written. Despite a few problems, The Convenient Marriage is very much worth spending a few hours with as well as earning a place on my keeper shelf.
"The Viscount stepped into the room. "Came to see if you was dead," he said. "Laid Pom odds you weren't." Lethbridge passed his hand across his eyes. "I'm not," he replied in a faint voice. "No. I'm sorry," said the Viscount simply. He wandered over to the table and sat down. "Horry said she killed you, Pom said So she might, I said No. Nonsense." Lethbridge still holding a hand to his aching head tried to pull himself together. "Did you?" he said. His eyes ran over his self invited guest. "I see. Let me assure you once more that I am very much alive." "Well I wish you'd put your wig on," complained the Viscount. "What I want to know is why did Horry hit you on the head with a poker?" Lethbridge gingerly felt his bruised scalp. "With a poker was it? Pray ask her, though I doubt if she will tell you." "You shouldn't keep the front door open," said the Viscount. "What's to stop people coming in and hitting you over the head? It's preposterous." "I wish you'd go home," said Lethbridge wearily. The Viscount surveyed the supper-table with a knowing eye. "Card-party?" he inquired knowingly. This book features on of the few Heyer heroines who doesn't annoy me at some point or another! Horry Winwood. The girl: stammers, has ugly big eyebrows, is really short, rude, and likes to drink and gamble. She marries the Earl because her family needs the money, and her older sister, who was to be the "Sacrifice," to him, is in love with someone else. The Earl is one of Heyer's perfect models of wit, good breeding, excellent taste, a fine, if hidden mind, and a way of handling every situation near perfectly. His only flaws are of laziness and far too much indulgence of his young wife. Which is more than enough for Horry! She manages to make lots of trouble for herself, thoroughly manipulated by the villain of the piece, a man looking for revenge upon her husband.I found Horry adorable, loved the Earl, and though you want to shake both of them at various times, it isn't in a 'you're annoyingly, badly written' sort of way. You're supposed to want to shake them, its part of the book drawing you in. I don't know if I really believe that someone like the Earl would fall in love with a silly seventeen year old girl, but I rather enjoyed suspending my disbelief on that.Also? I love Pel! Short of Rupert in These Old Shades, he's my favorite supporting cast member/plot mover in Heyer's romances.
What do You think about The Convenient Marriage (2005)?
Such a fun story! The Convenient Marriage was not what I expected but I enjoyed it a lot! I liked Lord Rule right off the bat but it took me a good bit of the book to get used to Horry. By the end though I couldn't help but like her and I felt like she had hope of maturing haha. The story dragged a bit at times but the parts with Rule and the very sweet ending made up for that. Or course, I did not like the part that Caroline Massey played in the story (early on) as it couldn't help but lower my opinion of Rule, even though that kind of behavior was I guess somewhat common. =/ Over all though, The Convenient Marriage ranks as one of my favorite of Heyer's (so far!) Spoiler: I liked the fact that Heyer gave us little glances throughout the story of Rule and Horry's growing affection for each other. As always, I wouldn't have minded a bit more emphasis on this but their kiss at the end made me happy. =) I also liked Rule's response to Crosby when Crosby visits him about the brooch... what a great scene. I loved Rule's passionate and violent defense of his wife... it reminded me a bit of Percy in some of the Scarlet Pimpernel books. =)
—Rebekah
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the audio version to a degree of about 5 stars. I mean, Richard, honestly....And then the fact that I listened to it with my Awesome Older Sister and we sat in her room, drinking Mountain Dew and Sparkling Apple Cider and eating Hershey's Cookie 'n Cream bars and Nuggets (yum), giggling, and commenting. So much fun....So, yeah. I'll be honest: when I found out that Richard Armitage read this, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of the audio version. His voice is spectacular. Truly. I swooned over adored the narrative bits. Because there are quite a few female characters in this book and because he gives each character their own unique voice, it was almost comical hearing him do female voices. But I loved that as well. ......Horatia: Sooo. You're proposing marriage to my older sister? But I'm here to ask you not to marry her because she's in love with somebody else. So, since you want to marry into our family and we're in debt and, really, why not, you can marry me!Earl: You don't have to marry me. I'm perfectly content to agree not to marry your sister....Horatia: No, no. You don't understand. I want to marry you. And I want you to mentor my older sister's man. You'll do that, right? Of course you will. There is no way you're getting out of this that easily. You're marrying me too, right? Yeah, of course you are. Earl: But you're so young...Horatia: Oh, pshaw. I don't mind. And if I don't mind, you shouldn't either, 'kay? You don't mind I have a stutter, do you?Earl: No, no. It's quite charming.Horatia: .....Well, that's a first.....I wasn't sure how I felt about Rule having an evil mistress of doom in the beginning. No, actually, I was sure. I was indignant. And then in the middle of the book, "He's STILL seeing her??!!" (view spoiler)[ But he wasn't. Not really. And anytime he popped out "to see her", he was just accomplishing his goal to make Horry jealous...It was all good then. (hide spoiler)]
—Elevetha
One of those impetuous, immature heroines I dislike so much, with a stammer that is written out Every.Single.Time; lots of frantic, farcical running around; an evil mistress and a dastardly villain; and a hero who's twice the age of the heroine. Also, romances where one of the main characters is committing adultery, regardless of the circumstances (here it's that they've agreed in advance to a marriage of pure convenience), always have a huge strike against them in my book. To be fair, this story is more of a comedy than a romance, but still. Anyway, it all adds up to way too many things I found dislikeable about this novel. Frankly, I skimmed through most of it.Who knew a marriage of convenience story could be so boring?
—Tadiana ✩ Night Owl☽
