Propose in haste
Repent at leisure?
Alexander, Duke of Harwell, couldn’t stand by and let a
rogue ruin heiress Emma. To save her reputation, he shocks himself by
announcing their engagement! But the widower doesn’t want to remarry, and
independent Emma is equally displeased, even if a paper marriage is the only
solution. Yet as Emma bonds with his young sons, filling their home with warmth
again, dormant feelings stir in Alex and he wonders if he’s met his match…
Good book. Alex is at a society ball and is constantly
accosted by matchmaking mamas trying to interest the widower in their
daughters. He has no interest in remarrying, preferring not to risk repeating
the devastating grief of losing his wife. But when he encounters a young woman fighting
off the advances of a man determined to ruin her, he can't help getting
involved. He doesn't expect to hear himself declare that the woman is his fiancée!
Emma is an heiress who has no interest in marrying any men
who show an interest in her, or more accurately, her money. While she dreams of
a true love match, she holds out no hope of it happening. After watching her
parents' marriage collapse over the vast differences between them, Emma would
rather be independent. While Alex saves her from one unwanted marriage, she's
not happy to be forced into marriage with him.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Alex
and Emma. Initially, Emma does her best to dissuade Alex from carrying through
on his announcement. She doesn't want either of them to endure an unwanted
union. But Alex quickly convinces her that avoidance is not an option. I liked
their honest discussion about how neither wants to marry before Alex arrives at
a compromise. They will marry, but it will be in name only. Emma will gain
control of her inheritance and can live as she pleases, while Alex gains a
mother figure/governess for his three sons.
Neither expects their attraction or friendship that develops
as they spend time together. Alex fights his feelings, avoiding Emma whenever
possible, but it does no good. When they are thrown together, whether building
snowmen with his sons or visiting neighbors, it becomes harder to resist the
sparks. When he gives in, he's overcome with regret and fear that he's already too
deep. In an attempt to protect himself, he pulls further away.
Emma had hoped they could at least form a working
friendship and is dismayed that Alex does everything possible to avoid her. Determined
to make the best of her situation, she becomes involved with Alex's sons. I
liked seeing her work past their antagonism (the spider scene was hilarious) and
become an important part of their lives. I loved seeing her get involved in
estate affairs and laughed out loud at Alex's surprise when he encountered her
at one of his tenant's homes. Emma has a good heart, and it shows in her
thoughtfulness. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she's falling in
love with Alex even though she knows he won't return her feelings.
I ached for both as their feelings grew. Emma wants
Alex's love but believes he's still in love with his dead wife. All she can do
to protect herself from devastating hurt is remove herself from the source, so
she plans to leave. Alex realizes the truth of his feelings, but his fears keep
him from saying anything to Emma. Something he overhears Emma saying to his
sons breaks through the walls around his heart, and a conversation with an
elderly tenant opens his eyes further. But has he waited too long? The ending
was great as Alex pursued Emma and hoped his feelings would be returned. I
loved the scene at the inn and seeing Alex open his heart to Emma. The epilogue
was terrific.
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