Lady Aurelia's Bequest

by Sheila Walsh

Before ever she steps foot in London though, Cordelia has already become part of a dangerous diplomatic intrigue as the result of her shipboard encounter with a fellow American: Drew Harvey. Working to secure peace between England and America, Mr Harvey enlists Cordelia's help as a courier - thereby drawing her into the sights of his own very determined enemies.

Despite these shadows playing around her, Cordelia Darcy's first London Season is a resounding success - as if in tribute to the godmother whose bequest made it possible. And for all that she stands at the heart of a conspiracy that gathers force daily, Cordelia's story is also one of a beautiful young girl entering Society, falling in love for the first time and learning to identify her own feelings.

Genres: Regency, Romance, Historical

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1987

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Born Sheila O'Nions in 1928 in Birmingham, England, UK. During the Second World War, her family moved to Southport, Lancashire, where she met Des Walsh, son of the Thomas Walsh, who had a jewelry store at 39 Chapel Street since 1926. In 1950, Sheila married with Des Walsh, and they had two daughters, Fran Walsh and Tess Walsh. Sheila worked during years in her husband's familiar jewelry store, with her husband, her husband elder brother Gerard and his wife Dorothy[2].

In 1971, Sheila joined the Southport Writers' Circle, and years later, in 1986 was elected life president. In 1980 she became the vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and later elected Chairman (1985-1987).

Her debut novel, The Golden Songbird, won the Netta Muskett award for new writers from the Romantic Novelists' Association, and in 1984, her novel, A Highly Respectable Marriage won the Elizabeth Goudge award.

Sheila Walsh died on 20 January 2009, at 80.

Reviews

[Brian Sirith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow, full of descriptions of mundane items, tasks etc. Didn't seem like a bad story but I couldn't keep myself interested since the writing dragged.

[Yue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not giving up on this author even though this book disappointed me a little bit. It was well written and while not super light, it was fun and has likeable characters, fun meetings and balls. Cordelia is a independent MC but always adhering to some social standards of that time (she was an American after all, she wasn't used to "chaperones" in her first days in England), unlike other "independent" heroines in other Regency romances. The first 50 or so pages it looked like this guy would have been the hero (he was charming, honest, a bit of a rake and Cordelia was besotted from the 2nd day) but nope, then enters the real hero, who is a bit like our dear Mr Darcy. He even has his own Georgiana.

There is a bit of espionage and mystery and danger (even a murder); it was the pace that felt wrong. I felt several times that I missed a couple of pages... like, when did this character got introduced? And the villain gets his ending like this??

[Helen Shipley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Regency Period Delight

A vastly enjoyable read. Good period feel and much in style of Georgette Heyer.

The story carried me along and my only quibble is it seemed a bit rushed occasionally. However, I recommend it and am going to look for other books by this author.

I also recommend the works of Mary Kingswood, with their delightfully linked characters, locations and threads.

For more gritty reads of the Regency era, there are the Captain Lacey books by Jennifer Ashley, which throw light upon the lives of other, poorer eschelons of society,case well as the members of the ton.

For even more gritty, not to say, harrowing reading; the excellent novels set in the Peninsular War, by the respected author and academic, Adrian Goldsworthy, are well worth reading. They are Meticously researched, with rivetting characters and horrifying depictions of combat at the time and those involved. The stupidity of some of those in command and the seemingly wilful ignorance and ignorance of government. The price paid by soldiers, sailors and their families, is heartbreaking. Despite that, there is humour , courage and compassion - and some delightful characters along the way.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 2.5, but I feel generous.