Ranking:
Hero: Vernon Dauntry, Marquis of Alverstoke(37)
Heroine: Frederica Merriville (24)
Supporting cast:

Back Cover:
Rich, handsome, darling of the ton, the hope of ambitous mothers and despair of his sisters, the Marquis of Alverstoke a seven-and-thirty sees no reason to put himself out for anyone. Until a distant connection, ignorant of his selfishness applies to him for help.

Plunged willy-nilly into one drama after another by the large and irrepressable Merriville family, Averstoke is surprised to find himself far from bored. The lovely Charis may be as hen-witted as she is beautiful, but Jessamy is an interesting boy, Felix an engaging scamp. And most intriguing of all, their strong-minded sister Frederica seems more concerned with her family's welfare then his own distinguished attentions.....

My thoughts:

Memorable Moment:

Favorite Lines: These spoil the book if you have not read it yet.

Thank you! I --er--contrive to pass myself off with credit, I hope.

"I am seven-and-thirty, ma'am" said Alverstoke, somewhat acidly, "and I should perhaps
inform you that I am never of use to anyone!"

"How is this?" she demanded "I had thought a Marquis must always be acceptable!"
"That, Miss Merriville, Depends on the Marquis!"

"Is there, by God! I wonder what the duece----" he broke off. " Something
tells me Wicken, that danger awaits me in the book-room!"
"Oh, no, my lord!" said Wicken reassuringly. " It is not, I
fancy, a fierce animal."

"I was under the impression that I warned you that in London country ways will not do Frederica!"
"You di!" she retorted. "And although I can't say that I paid much heed to your advice it so happens
that I am accompanied today by my aunt!"
"Who adds invisibility to her other accomplishments!"

"By all means!" said his lordship cordially. "I perceive--not that I ever doubted it!
--that you will leave me nothing to do,which, as you well know, is always my goal."

"If it comes to that," retorted Frederica, with spirt, " I am continually shocked by the
things you don't scruple to say to me,cousin! You are quite abominable!"
He sighed. "Alas, I know it! The reflection gives me sleepless nights."

"I'm true blue, and will never stain!" she replied promptly

"Cut line, Felix!" commanded Alverstoke. "If it isn't a scrape, what is it?"

"Will you have the goodness, Eliza, to permit me to make my proposals myself?"
interrupted his lordship, in a voice of dangerous calm.

"Because we are going to be married,"replied his lordship calmly. "It's obligatory, you know.
One is expected to--er--cuddle the lady one is going to marry?"