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Beatrice Hyde-Clare #4
A Nefarious Engagement
Having long abandoned any hope of making a match, twenty-six-year-old Beatrice Hyde-Clare finds herself a little overwhelmed by her engagement to the Duke of Kesgrave.
Cloying society matrons clamor for her attention while her aunt reels off an endless list of servants she will have to oversee. Even the most intrepid female would quake at the prospect of managing eight footmen!
Fortunately, Bea knows the perfect distraction—an intriguing mystery—and pays a call on the Countess of Abercrombie, who had promised her that very thing only the evening before.
But her ladyship is reluctant to discuss the details with a newly minted duchess-to-be, and it dawns on Bea that the investigation cuts closer to home than she could have ever imagined. Because this time the murder victims are her own mother and father, who had died twenty years before in a seemingly straightforward boating accident.
Alas, nothing is straightforward, and as Bea digs into her past, she discovers with growing horror that she has no more idea how to be a daughter than she does a duchess.
Cloying society matrons clamor for her attention while her aunt reels off an endless list of servants she will have to oversee. Even the most intrepid female would quake at the prospect of managing eight footmen!
Fortunately, Bea knows the perfect distraction—an intriguing mystery—and pays a call on the Countess of Abercrombie, who had promised her that very thing only the evening before.
But her ladyship is reluctant to discuss the details with a newly minted duchess-to-be, and it dawns on Bea that the investigation cuts closer to home than she could have ever imagined. Because this time the murder victims are her own mother and father, who had died twenty years before in a seemingly straightforward boating accident.
Alas, nothing is straightforward, and as Bea digs into her past, she discovers with growing horror that she has no more idea how to be a daughter than she does a duchess.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2019
1548 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Messina
56 books663 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
May 14, 2023
2023 Review
I mean, did I enjoy this re-read? Not particularly.
Did I find Bea quite as angsty as I remembered? No. Did I find her character improved? Also no. She's just sort of annoyingly self-destructive which I get (or at least have more sympathy for) this re-read. But I think the biggest problem for this book is that the romance was wrapped up too soon. There is a line where Bea makes a comment about "barely knowing" her fiancé. Which is supposed to be undercut by his behavior later but also...yeah, girl. You don't know him. Every time he tries to have a conversation you roast him for being pedantic.
I've got one more to go before I run out of the books I own and I'm curious if it will redeem this series at all.
2019 Review
Take note authors who write alpha-male romance heroes. Those guys suck. Make them like the Duke of Kesgrave. He is all things #goals.
Unfortunately, that cannot be said for the rest of this book. Some moments were hilarious. But this story is designed to be more personal, more emotional, and as a result it becomes more angsty. Bea is researching the possible murder of her parents and she isn't going to let logic interrupt her emotions.
It is exhausting.
The murderer is obvious from the moment his name comes up and if Bea paused for one second to think about it she would realize most of her worst fears were unfounded. It felt out of character for her. I know this on is supposed to bring character growth but I missed the dry, unassuming heroine who throws herself into things we met in earlier books. This girl just locks herself in her room and cries.
But the main couple remains lovely so on to the next book I go!
I mean, did I enjoy this re-read? Not particularly.
Did I find Bea quite as angsty as I remembered? No. Did I find her character improved? Also no. She's just sort of annoyingly self-destructive which I get (or at least have more sympathy for) this re-read. But I think the biggest problem for this book is that the romance was wrapped up too soon. There is a line where Bea makes a comment about "barely knowing" her fiancé. Which is supposed to be undercut by his behavior later but also...yeah, girl. You don't know him. Every time he tries to have a conversation you roast him for being pedantic.
I've got one more to go before I run out of the books I own and I'm curious if it will redeem this series at all.
2019 Review
Take note authors who write alpha-male romance heroes. Those guys suck. Make them like the Duke of Kesgrave. He is all things #goals.
Unfortunately, that cannot be said for the rest of this book. Some moments were hilarious. But this story is designed to be more personal, more emotional, and as a result it becomes more angsty. Bea is researching the possible murder of her parents and she isn't going to let logic interrupt her emotions.
It is exhausting.
The murderer is obvious from the moment his name comes up and if Bea paused for one second to think about it she would realize most of her worst fears were unfounded. It felt out of character for her. I know this on is supposed to bring character growth but I missed the dry, unassuming heroine who throws herself into things we met in earlier books. This girl just locks herself in her room and cries.
But the main couple remains lovely so on to the next book I go!
June 30, 2019
Those who say this final book is a disappointment because there isn't enough Duke, have misunderstood a few things.
1: He is not the star of this book. It's okay for men to not be the centre of everything.
2: Much as I love him, the Duke is only one part of Bea's journey. This book gives us other parts. Important parts.
3: The Duke models what non-toxic masculinity looks like. That's a good thing.
This final installment is a gem. We luckily get more of Grandmother. We understand so much more about everyone in Bea's life. I don't want to give anything away, but it's truly satisfying.
1: He is not the star of this book. It's okay for men to not be the centre of everything.
2: Much as I love him, the Duke is only one part of Bea's journey. This book gives us other parts. Important parts.
3: The Duke models what non-toxic masculinity looks like. That's a good thing.
This final installment is a gem. We luckily get more of Grandmother. We understand so much more about everyone in Bea's life. I don't want to give anything away, but it's truly satisfying.
April 14, 2019
Meh. The momentum that started at the end of book 3 just fizzled here. What should be the most interesting mystery (What happened to her parents?) I found boring. I ended up reading the ending after about two chapters because all of Bea's sturm und drang got annoying quite fast. (I went back and read the whole book in order.) Without Kesgrave as the emotion and intellectual foil for almost all of the novel, Bea's constant "Am I becoming a dormouse again?" inner monologue had me doing my best Monty Python impression: "Get on with it!". I love the series and hope the fifth installment will be a return to form.
April 29, 2022
This series:
Book #1 : 4 stars, Book #2 : 3.5 stars
Book #3 : 4 stars, Book #4 : 3 stars
Regency.
Bea & Damien both enjoyed puzzles & mysteries. Bea and
Damien got engaged. Bea should have ignored the negative
feedback about her engagement. I hoped that Bea would
gain in self-esteem as the series progressed. Why not allow
her this? The subject matter got a little darker this time
round.
Several things went through my mind about this series.
Bea's aunt lectured Bea often. But the aunt was the rudest
of them all! Tilly the countess decided to mentor Bea, but
she was too blunt RE Bea's perceived faults. Especially the
dig about Bea's figure. I rooted for the H+h to cherish each
other. Bea showed Damien in many ways she didn't trust
him. Must she start investigations alone? The author
referenced too many events from previous stories, and this
ruined the flow of the current story.
Book #1 : 4 stars, Book #2 : 3.5 stars
Book #3 : 4 stars, Book #4 : 3 stars
Regency.
Bea & Damien both enjoyed puzzles & mysteries. Bea and
Damien got engaged. Bea should have ignored the negative
feedback about her engagement. I hoped that Bea would
gain in self-esteem as the series progressed. Why not allow
her this? The subject matter got a little darker this time
round.
Several things went through my mind about this series.
Bea's aunt lectured Bea often. But the aunt was the rudest
of them all! Tilly the countess decided to mentor Bea, but
she was too blunt RE Bea's perceived faults. Especially the
dig about Bea's figure. I rooted for the H+h to cherish each
other. Bea showed Damien in many ways she didn't trust
him. Must she start investigations alone? The author
referenced too many events from previous stories, and this
ruined the flow of the current story.
April 13, 2019
“No, my love, if we miss our opportunity to break into [his] residence tonight, the consequences will be grave, for I’m convinced you would never let me forget it was my fault. Then you won’t invite me to help the next time you break into a gentleman’s apartments and I will be forced to sneak up on you whilst you are hiding in a dark corner, and your shout of alarm will alert the butler, which will cause a great ruckus involving Runners and magistrates. And that must be avoided at all costs.”
Heart hands and heart eyes and ALL the hearts (I haven’t figured out how to add emojis to Goodreads reviews, so you’ll just have to imagine them)…for Bea and Damien’s mutual adoration, respect, love, banter, and partnership in crime detection. They are quickly turning into one of my favorite fictional couples of all time.
I found the mystery in this book to be truly compelling as Bea investigates her parents’ deaths and, in the process, discovers the truth of their lives. Who were they really? Did they love each other? Did they love her?
I’m addicted to this series and am hoping (pleading!) for book 5 and book 6 and book 7…
Heart hands and heart eyes and ALL the hearts (I haven’t figured out how to add emojis to Goodreads reviews, so you’ll just have to imagine them)…for Bea and Damien’s mutual adoration, respect, love, banter, and partnership in crime detection. They are quickly turning into one of my favorite fictional couples of all time.
I found the mystery in this book to be truly compelling as Bea investigates her parents’ deaths and, in the process, discovers the truth of their lives. Who were they really? Did they love each other? Did they love her?
I’m addicted to this series and am hoping (pleading!) for book 5 and book 6 and book 7…
October 14, 2020
I did not like this book and am giving it 2.5 stars and rounding it up to 3 as I have really enjoyed the series up till now. The first 60% of the book was boring. The plot should have been part of a book as it had to do with the history of the h. but offered little else as there was no humor and little of the Duke in it. I will continue to read the series as I have enjoyed all up till this one.
August 2, 2019
3.5-3.75 stars? 3 stars for the plot and a whole star for the Duke!
Picking up right where the previous book left off, Beatrice Hyde-Clare is pleased to have finally won the acceptance of her proposal to the Duke of Kesgrave. However, her aunt and uncle are less than pleased. Now they must invite the Dowager Duchess to tea! How can Aunt Vera invite a Duchess to tea without refurbishing the dining room and what about their wardrobe? They'll all need to be decked out in the first stare of fashion! While Aunt Vera drones on about all the staff Bea will be responsible for, Bea begins to doubt her ability to make a good Duchess. For one thing, she's bored without the intellectual stimulation of an investigation. While the Duke seems to be avoiding her, Bea sets off on her own to accept the commission of her mother's old friend, Lady Abercrombie. Lady Abercrombie has a mystery for Bea to solve and this one hits near to home. Lady Abercrombie has reason to believe Bea's parents were murdered! Bea was led to believe they died in a tragic boating accident but Lady Abercrombie believes their death may have had something to do with the nefarious English Correspondence Guild, a group of workingmen who Prime Minister Pitt believed to be plotting to overthrow the government and bring revolution to England. Bea's parents were somehow secretly involved in discovering the secrets of the Guild and those secrets may have led to their deaths. Bea is shocked to her very core but determined to confront the evil murderers who killed her parents. Sadly, the Duke is not by her side. She longs for him and wishes for him to join her in this investigation but her pride will not allow her to go to him and be hurt if he has changed his mind about their engagement. So, alone, Bea sets out to solve the mystery of her parents' deaths.
Hmm I have mixed feelings about this book. I do not like it when the heroines think they're not good enough for the hero. He chose you, Bea, He chose to participate in your adventures. He chose NOT to propose to Lady Victoria. Her self-doubts and recriminations bog down the first half of the story. Once she finally talks to him the romance improves. I'm very much in love with Damien myself! The mystery was REALLY obvious. I figured out who did it and why right away. I was surprised it took Bea so long. What Aunt Vera told her did not match up to everything else Bea is told about her parents. I was pleased Bea didn't believe it for too long. For the sake of a story she has to chase after some red herrings but clever readers will know the truth. The story ends before the wedding and a new book will be released in the fall. I want it now!!! There are some passionate kisses but fortunately no body parts are throbbing and heaving.
I really enjoyed the history of the Correspondence Guild, a sort of early trade union, and how the French Revolution affected Britain. The Prime Minister was paranoid, delusional, terrified and tyrannical. He refused to give rights to the common man, fearing a revolution. Hmm that sounds familiar.
I want to be nitpicking about the Regency history though. I don't understand Aunt Vera and Uncle Horace's parsimony. Most parents/guardians are thrilled to have their daughters marry up. Isn't that what they're supposed to do? Also, family heirloom jewels weren't usually worn everyday and they were passed down with the estate so of course Bea's uncle would have inherited her mother's bracelet for his wife. He would keep it in a safe or the bank not in the house. Of course this part of the plot makes Bea into Harry Potter with her family providing some comic relief. Then Aunt Vera makes a surprising revelation that gives new insight into her character. While she is still annoying and cheap, Bea, and the reader, learn to have some empathy for her. Uncle Horace becomes more sympathetic too. Bea's squabbling cousins are funny and sound very realistic.
We get to know Damien's grandmother better. The Dowager Duchess is a delightful surprise. She seems like a grown-up more dignified Bea. No wonder Damien loves Bea! Viscount Nuneaton makes a brief appearance but more important is his sister, Mrs. Palmer. I love her! She's an outspoken woman with Whiggish tendencies and will browbeat any man who dares disagree with her. I don't approve of nagging and bullying to get people to agree with one's point-of-view but I'm sure she does it charmingly. She has very modern, American ideas. I think she will be a great friend for Bea.
The English Correspondence Guild leader, Jeffries, is an honest workingman who just wants to support his family and be represented in the government. Alas, the last time the British heard "no taxation without representation" they lost the American colonies so the Prime Minister was dead set against that. I like Jeffries and everything he stands for except for his feelings about Bea's parents. Lord Braxfield fits the profile of a villain: a rakish seducer who keeps love tokens from his conquests. Yuck. Yet he surprised me too and I find him almost charming. The Earl of Wem doesn't appear on page until late in the story but he was Bea's father's closest friend. How heartbreaking to bring sad tidings of your best friend's death to his family. He strikes me as a bit cold and callous, especially towards Bea's mother. Bea's mother was awesome! She went one step farther than Mary Wollstonecraft and wrote her own feminist manifesto decrying double standards for men and women. She speaks for women even today. Sadly the same double standards still apply.
Even though this book is a bit rough in parts, I ADORE the characters and can not WAIT to read more about them.
Picking up right where the previous book left off, Beatrice Hyde-Clare is pleased to have finally won the acceptance of her proposal to the Duke of Kesgrave. However, her aunt and uncle are less than pleased. Now they must invite the Dowager Duchess to tea! How can Aunt Vera invite a Duchess to tea without refurbishing the dining room and what about their wardrobe? They'll all need to be decked out in the first stare of fashion! While Aunt Vera drones on about all the staff Bea will be responsible for, Bea begins to doubt her ability to make a good Duchess. For one thing, she's bored without the intellectual stimulation of an investigation. While the Duke seems to be avoiding her, Bea sets off on her own to accept the commission of her mother's old friend, Lady Abercrombie. Lady Abercrombie has a mystery for Bea to solve and this one hits near to home. Lady Abercrombie has reason to believe Bea's parents were murdered! Bea was led to believe they died in a tragic boating accident but Lady Abercrombie believes their death may have had something to do with the nefarious English Correspondence Guild, a group of workingmen who Prime Minister Pitt believed to be plotting to overthrow the government and bring revolution to England. Bea's parents were somehow secretly involved in discovering the secrets of the Guild and those secrets may have led to their deaths. Bea is shocked to her very core but determined to confront the evil murderers who killed her parents. Sadly, the Duke is not by her side. She longs for him and wishes for him to join her in this investigation but her pride will not allow her to go to him and be hurt if he has changed his mind about their engagement. So, alone, Bea sets out to solve the mystery of her parents' deaths.
Hmm I have mixed feelings about this book. I do not like it when the heroines think they're not good enough for the hero. He chose you, Bea, He chose to participate in your adventures. He chose NOT to propose to Lady Victoria. Her self-doubts and recriminations bog down the first half of the story. Once she finally talks to him the romance improves. I'm very much in love with Damien myself! The mystery was REALLY obvious. I figured out who did it and why right away. I was surprised it took Bea so long. What Aunt Vera told her did not match up to everything else Bea is told about her parents. I was pleased Bea didn't believe it for too long. For the sake of a story she has to chase after some red herrings but clever readers will know the truth. The story ends before the wedding and a new book will be released in the fall. I want it now!!! There are some passionate kisses but fortunately no body parts are throbbing and heaving.
I really enjoyed the history of the Correspondence Guild, a sort of early trade union, and how the French Revolution affected Britain. The Prime Minister was paranoid, delusional, terrified and tyrannical. He refused to give rights to the common man, fearing a revolution. Hmm that sounds familiar.
I want to be nitpicking about the Regency history though. I don't understand Aunt Vera and Uncle Horace's parsimony. Most parents/guardians are thrilled to have their daughters marry up. Isn't that what they're supposed to do? Also, family heirloom jewels weren't usually worn everyday and they were passed down with the estate so of course Bea's uncle would have inherited her mother's bracelet for his wife. He would keep it in a safe or the bank not in the house. Of course this part of the plot makes Bea into Harry Potter with her family providing some comic relief. Then Aunt Vera makes a surprising revelation that gives new insight into her character. While she is still annoying and cheap, Bea, and the reader, learn to have some empathy for her. Uncle Horace becomes more sympathetic too. Bea's squabbling cousins are funny and sound very realistic.
We get to know Damien's grandmother better. The Dowager Duchess is a delightful surprise. She seems like a grown-up more dignified Bea. No wonder Damien loves Bea! Viscount Nuneaton makes a brief appearance but more important is his sister, Mrs. Palmer. I love her! She's an outspoken woman with Whiggish tendencies and will browbeat any man who dares disagree with her. I don't approve of nagging and bullying to get people to agree with one's point-of-view but I'm sure she does it charmingly. She has very modern, American ideas. I think she will be a great friend for Bea.
The English Correspondence Guild leader, Jeffries, is an honest workingman who just wants to support his family and be represented in the government. Alas, the last time the British heard "no taxation without representation" they lost the American colonies so the Prime Minister was dead set against that. I like Jeffries and everything he stands for except for his feelings about Bea's parents. Lord Braxfield fits the profile of a villain: a rakish seducer who keeps love tokens from his conquests. Yuck. Yet he surprised me too and I find him almost charming. The Earl of Wem doesn't appear on page until late in the story but he was Bea's father's closest friend. How heartbreaking to bring sad tidings of your best friend's death to his family. He strikes me as a bit cold and callous, especially towards Bea's mother. Bea's mother was awesome! She went one step farther than Mary Wollstonecraft and wrote her own feminist manifesto decrying double standards for men and women. She speaks for women even today. Sadly the same double standards still apply.
Even though this book is a bit rough in parts, I ADORE the characters and can not WAIT to read more about them.
October 11, 2020
Messina did a little too good a job at portraying the ridiculousness of polite society in this one. For me it went beyond amusing to tedious. Bea spent way too much time being berated and lectured by her aunt. I loved the parts where she escaped, though, and any moment with Kesgrave was delightful.
April 26, 2019
To those who are a bit impatient like me to have the heroine of this series finally stop being so insecure, it takes a while in this book, but it does finally happen. I adored the duke in this one. The mystery was obvious to me, but the solving of it wasn't too ridiculous. I can overlook the and other mild silliness. However, I'm glad that the heroine is finally moving away from her uncle, aunt, and cousins. They might not mean to be hurtful in their careless comments, but I think they're vile.
Safe, clean, and not sappy.
Safe, clean, and not sappy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
The last two books were not as good IMO as the first. Bea’s constant navel-gazing and angst about her relationship with the dishy Duke of Kesgrave is irritating. The man is an 24-carat gem, grab him and run you silly woman. 😉
October 8, 2022
Excellent as usual!
September 27, 2019
Duration: 7 hrs 56 mins.
A Nefarious Engagement: A Regency Cozy, Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries, Book 4 by Lynn Messina is the fourth book in a charming series which follows a determined bluestocking and her fastidious Duke as they find their way out of whatever tangle Bea has managed to get herself into. This time Beatrice's mysteries are far closer to home than any she has been forced to confront before.
Audible summary: Having long abandoned any hope of making a match, 26-year-old Beatrice Hyde Clare finds herself a little overwhelmed by her engagement to the Duke of Kesgrave. Cloying society matrons clamor for her attention while her aunt reels off an endless list of servants she will have to oversee. Even the most intrepid female would quake at the prospect of managing eight footmen!
Fortunately, Bea knows the perfect distraction - an intriguing mystery - and pays a call on the Countess of Abercrombie, who had promised her that very thing only the evening before.
But her ladyship is reluctant to discuss the details with a newly minted duchess-to-be, and it dawns on Bea that the investigation cuts closer to home than she could have ever imagined because this time the murder victims are her own mother and father, who had died 20 years before in a seemingly straightforward boating accident.
Alas, nothing is straightforward, and as Bea digs into her past, she discovers with growing horror that she has no more idea how to be a daughter than she does a duchess.
©2019 Lynn Messina (P)2019 Lynn Messina
As with the preceding books in the series, far too much of this book's opening is devoted to describing each of the earlier plots, which serves little purpose. Even for this book to be considered a standalone it need not go into such detail about Bea's previous mysteries. There is little motivation for anyone who has not read the other books to seek them out when each plot is recapped so thoroughly. Other cozy mystery series' often allude to earlier cases - perhaps even revealing key clues where pertinent or necessary to jog one's memory - but they do not summarise the entire investigation and its outcome. It detracts a little from the joy I feel at returning to these characters, and can make the first chapter or two rather slow going.
That aside, it is always a delight to meet once more with Bea and Kesgrave, for their relationship is full of wit and warmth. That is perhaps most evident in this outing, when the depth of the Duke's understanding of Beatrice's character is matched only by his unwavering affection for her. And she needs it, more than ever, as she faces the most personal murder mystery yet; the deaths of her parents. This book wove together many of the strands of the previous books, and Bea required all the skills she had mastered during her other investigations to get to the bottom of things. It also provided a wonderful opportunity to get to know Kesgrave better, and imagining him picking locks in grand houses as a curious, entitled little boy was adorable enough that I almost didn't mind him being named Damian.
There were moments in this book which were some of my favourites of the series so far. I very much enjoy the interactions between Bea and Kesgrave and they felt far more like a team in this book. Their relationship always makes me smile and his profound respect for Beatrice's bluestocking-eccentricities is as charming as the pride she has in his meticulous precision. Yet, even their most tender moments have any sickly-sweetness tempered by teasing and dry wit, and it is easy to imagine their love enduring throughout their lives together, which cannot often be said for Regency couplings.
Whilst we did not get to see as much of the Dowager as I would have liked, we were introduced to the delightfully inquisitive and opinionated Mrs Palmer. I can imagine her being a good - if challenging - friend to Bea, and that is something we have not really seen. The closest thing to a friend Bea really has is Kesgrave, and it would be interesting to see how she interacted with another bright, articulate woman who could keep up with her.
One of the most surprising aspects of this story was the way in which Messina did such a good job of redeeming Aunt Vera. Always neurotic and often unfeeling, Vera's treatment of her niece has always seemed rather thoughtless and resentful, so it was fascinating to glimpse another side to her - and her motivations - this time around. On the opposite scale, I was a little disappointed that the Earl's story ended the way it did, as I had hoped that his proclivities tended in a slightly different direction, which would have tied in nicely with an earlier moment in the book and would have aligned with the noticeably more progressive tone of this novel compared to the others.
On a very personal level I also appreciated the passing references to Portsmouth in this story, including the mention of HMS Royal George, one of whose guns is still on display a few miles from here in Southsea Castle, not far from other artifacts held within the archives of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which will always be very dear to me and is one of my supported charities.
The narrator, Jill Smith, embodies Miss Hyde-Clare very well, bringing her to life with a sprightly sincerity that makes Bea very appealing. The audiobook is still plagued by a sprinkling of mispronunciations ("whilst", "Hartlepool", "Berkley", "iron", "foie gras", "swathed", etc) but they do not detract from the enjoyment of the story and are far less obtrusive than in some of the previous books. Smith's narration is, overall, very engaging and full of character.
Both the author and the narrator have worked hard to polish and perfect each new release, and it shows in the blossoming quality of the books. As Beatrice and Kesgrave gain confidence in their footing with each other, so, it feels, has the team responsible for sharing them with us. I recommend this series to everyone who enjoys cosy mysteries or Regency romance, but I would advise starting with the first book in the series, A Brazen Curiosity, to avoid spoilers.
Here are the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Cozy Mystery Series books in order, and my previous reviews of each:
Book 1 - A Brazen Curiosity,
Book 2 - A Scandalous Deception,
Book 3 - An Infamous Betrayal,
Book 4 - A Nefarious Engagement.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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A Nefarious Engagement: A Regency Cozy, Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries, Book 4 by Lynn Messina is the fourth book in a charming series which follows a determined bluestocking and her fastidious Duke as they find their way out of whatever tangle Bea has managed to get herself into. This time Beatrice's mysteries are far closer to home than any she has been forced to confront before.
Audible summary: Having long abandoned any hope of making a match, 26-year-old Beatrice Hyde Clare finds herself a little overwhelmed by her engagement to the Duke of Kesgrave. Cloying society matrons clamor for her attention while her aunt reels off an endless list of servants she will have to oversee. Even the most intrepid female would quake at the prospect of managing eight footmen!
Fortunately, Bea knows the perfect distraction - an intriguing mystery - and pays a call on the Countess of Abercrombie, who had promised her that very thing only the evening before.
But her ladyship is reluctant to discuss the details with a newly minted duchess-to-be, and it dawns on Bea that the investigation cuts closer to home than she could have ever imagined because this time the murder victims are her own mother and father, who had died 20 years before in a seemingly straightforward boating accident.
Alas, nothing is straightforward, and as Bea digs into her past, she discovers with growing horror that she has no more idea how to be a daughter than she does a duchess.
©2019 Lynn Messina (P)2019 Lynn Messina
As with the preceding books in the series, far too much of this book's opening is devoted to describing each of the earlier plots, which serves little purpose. Even for this book to be considered a standalone it need not go into such detail about Bea's previous mysteries. There is little motivation for anyone who has not read the other books to seek them out when each plot is recapped so thoroughly. Other cozy mystery series' often allude to earlier cases - perhaps even revealing key clues where pertinent or necessary to jog one's memory - but they do not summarise the entire investigation and its outcome. It detracts a little from the joy I feel at returning to these characters, and can make the first chapter or two rather slow going.
That aside, it is always a delight to meet once more with Bea and Kesgrave, for their relationship is full of wit and warmth. That is perhaps most evident in this outing, when the depth of the Duke's understanding of Beatrice's character is matched only by his unwavering affection for her. And she needs it, more than ever, as she faces the most personal murder mystery yet; the deaths of her parents. This book wove together many of the strands of the previous books, and Bea required all the skills she had mastered during her other investigations to get to the bottom of things. It also provided a wonderful opportunity to get to know Kesgrave better, and imagining him picking locks in grand houses as a curious, entitled little boy was adorable enough that I almost didn't mind him being named Damian.
There were moments in this book which were some of my favourites of the series so far. I very much enjoy the interactions between Bea and Kesgrave and they felt far more like a team in this book. Their relationship always makes me smile and his profound respect for Beatrice's bluestocking-eccentricities is as charming as the pride she has in his meticulous precision. Yet, even their most tender moments have any sickly-sweetness tempered by teasing and dry wit, and it is easy to imagine their love enduring throughout their lives together, which cannot often be said for Regency couplings.
Whilst we did not get to see as much of the Dowager as I would have liked, we were introduced to the delightfully inquisitive and opinionated Mrs Palmer. I can imagine her being a good - if challenging - friend to Bea, and that is something we have not really seen. The closest thing to a friend Bea really has is Kesgrave, and it would be interesting to see how she interacted with another bright, articulate woman who could keep up with her.
One of the most surprising aspects of this story was the way in which Messina did such a good job of redeeming Aunt Vera. Always neurotic and often unfeeling, Vera's treatment of her niece has always seemed rather thoughtless and resentful, so it was fascinating to glimpse another side to her - and her motivations - this time around. On the opposite scale, I was a little disappointed that the Earl's story ended the way it did, as I had hoped that his proclivities tended in a slightly different direction, which would have tied in nicely with an earlier moment in the book and would have aligned with the noticeably more progressive tone of this novel compared to the others.
On a very personal level I also appreciated the passing references to Portsmouth in this story, including the mention of HMS Royal George, one of whose guns is still on display a few miles from here in Southsea Castle, not far from other artifacts held within the archives of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which will always be very dear to me and is one of my supported charities.
The narrator, Jill Smith, embodies Miss Hyde-Clare very well, bringing her to life with a sprightly sincerity that makes Bea very appealing. The audiobook is still plagued by a sprinkling of mispronunciations ("whilst", "Hartlepool", "Berkley", "iron", "foie gras", "swathed", etc) but they do not detract from the enjoyment of the story and are far less obtrusive than in some of the previous books. Smith's narration is, overall, very engaging and full of character.
Both the author and the narrator have worked hard to polish and perfect each new release, and it shows in the blossoming quality of the books. As Beatrice and Kesgrave gain confidence in their footing with each other, so, it feels, has the team responsible for sharing them with us. I recommend this series to everyone who enjoys cosy mysteries or Regency romance, but I would advise starting with the first book in the series, A Brazen Curiosity, to avoid spoilers.
Here are the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Cozy Mystery Series books in order, and my previous reviews of each:
Book 1 - A Brazen Curiosity,
Book 2 - A Scandalous Deception,
Book 3 - An Infamous Betrayal,
Book 4 - A Nefarious Engagement.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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September 12, 2021
A charming continuation
Newly engaged to the Duke of Kesgrave, Beatrice needs a distraction from both her aunt’s meddling and the gossip of town. What better way to distract herself than to investigate a murder? Specifically her parents’ untimely deaths. But the situation is fraught with danger and includes places no sensible female would be found. Clearly she needs to involve her fiancé, Damien, in her case.
—
OK this book needs some massive trigger warnings. I got triggered and I don’t want that to happen to others. Triggers for homophobia, classism, xenophobia, obsession, domestic abuse, parental neglect, parental death, child abuse, child neglect, stalking, infidelity, bullying, And possessive jealousy. Please make sure you’re in a good place before reading this.
I’m not fully sure where to start with my review on this one. I enjoyed the story and I especially enjoyed Damien and Beatrice’s interactions with each other particularly their discussions on love and trust. But there’s also a lot to unpack here.
The story behind Beatrice‘s parents death isn’t straightforward. Nor are the results that happened because of it. There’s some pretty hard subjects and can be seen as a fairly light book. As readers, we’ve known for a while that Beatrice has been the poor relation and as such has been treated shabbily by her aunt and uncle. But finding out the depths of her treatment and the cause of it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. Additionally the cause of her parents deaths hit me quite hard. Because what happened to them came very very close to what could have happened to me. I am very very lucky that I spotted who the villain was early and prepared myself somewhat for the reasons for their villainy. But it still hit me hard. The clues are there but just in case mind the trigger warnings.
And I suppose that’s what makes this a good story. The interactions between Damien and Beatrice are delightful as is Lady Abercrombie. I’m definitely looking forward to more of Beatrice and Damien’s adventures.
Five Stars
Newly engaged to the Duke of Kesgrave, Beatrice needs a distraction from both her aunt’s meddling and the gossip of town. What better way to distract herself than to investigate a murder? Specifically her parents’ untimely deaths. But the situation is fraught with danger and includes places no sensible female would be found. Clearly she needs to involve her fiancé, Damien, in her case.
—
OK this book needs some massive trigger warnings. I got triggered and I don’t want that to happen to others. Triggers for homophobia, classism, xenophobia, obsession, domestic abuse, parental neglect, parental death, child abuse, child neglect, stalking, infidelity, bullying, And possessive jealousy. Please make sure you’re in a good place before reading this.
I’m not fully sure where to start with my review on this one. I enjoyed the story and I especially enjoyed Damien and Beatrice’s interactions with each other particularly their discussions on love and trust. But there’s also a lot to unpack here.
The story behind Beatrice‘s parents death isn’t straightforward. Nor are the results that happened because of it. There’s some pretty hard subjects and can be seen as a fairly light book. As readers, we’ve known for a while that Beatrice has been the poor relation and as such has been treated shabbily by her aunt and uncle. But finding out the depths of her treatment and the cause of it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. Additionally the cause of her parents deaths hit me quite hard. Because what happened to them came very very close to what could have happened to me. I am very very lucky that I spotted who the villain was early and prepared myself somewhat for the reasons for their villainy. But it still hit me hard. The clues are there but just in case mind the trigger warnings.
And I suppose that’s what makes this a good story. The interactions between Damien and Beatrice are delightful as is Lady Abercrombie. I’m definitely looking forward to more of Beatrice and Damien’s adventures.
Five Stars
August 1, 2022
I seen some lower ratings for this Installment in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, but I think the fact that this book deviates from the formula set in the previous three books is important.
This book IS unusual in that Beatrice consciously leaves Damien out of her investigation for the first 200 pages (four days, per Damien). Bea is investigating her parents’ death and thinks she needs to keep Damien out of it because her initial research reveals some terrible things.
There’s a turning point where she realizes she wants him with her and that she trusts him with the information she’s gathered. She is also dealing with insecurity about the life she’s about to step into. She eventually reaches out to him and realizes that she can deal with everything if he’s by her side. Meanwhile, he has been trailing her, as he has realized his habit of showing up in her room and forcing a confidence isn’t the same as letting her seek him out. The characters articulate all of this in a rare moment of completely frank conversation. I loved it.
The parts about Bea’s childhood have always been tender and sad…there’s more of that here. Having their murderer revealed sort of clears the way for a new phase of the series.
This book IS unusual in that Beatrice consciously leaves Damien out of her investigation for the first 200 pages (four days, per Damien). Bea is investigating her parents’ death and thinks she needs to keep Damien out of it because her initial research reveals some terrible things.
There’s a turning point where she realizes she wants him with her and that she trusts him with the information she’s gathered. She is also dealing with insecurity about the life she’s about to step into. She eventually reaches out to him and realizes that she can deal with everything if he’s by her side. Meanwhile, he has been trailing her, as he has realized his habit of showing up in her room and forcing a confidence isn’t the same as letting her seek him out. The characters articulate all of this in a rare moment of completely frank conversation. I loved it.
The parts about Bea’s childhood have always been tender and sad…there’s more of that here. Having their murderer revealed sort of clears the way for a new phase of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2023
4 Solid Stars
This was thoroughly enjoyable.
This was darker than the other books in this series, and the mystery itself was much more satisfying.
This almost felt more like a traditional mystery than a cozy mystery, and I appreciate the author's ability to mix it up!
This focuses on what happened to Bea's parents that resulted in their death.
I loved the background on Bea's parents.
I loved the growth in Bea & Kesgrave's relationship.
I look very forward to their continuing adventures as a couple🥰
This was thoroughly enjoyable.
This was darker than the other books in this series, and the mystery itself was much more satisfying.
This almost felt more like a traditional mystery than a cozy mystery, and I appreciate the author's ability to mix it up!
This focuses on what happened to Bea's parents that resulted in their death.
I loved the background on Bea's parents.
I loved the growth in Bea & Kesgrave's relationship.
I look very forward to their continuing adventures as a couple🥰
April 1, 2022
Bea and Damien we’re separated for most of this book which I wasn’t a fan of, especially because of all of the progress they made at the end of the last one. I liked how her parents deaths were explained, although the lead up was quite boring until Damien came back into the picture. I thought I’d stop with this series after this one but it seems I cannot. As much as these books drag, I feel as though my person is entwined with the story and I must see it through to the end.
July 5, 2019
The Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries book are all fun, and this one has some twists I definitely appreciated even in a book where I wasn't looking for anything complicated.
But for real, I need Lynn Messina to stop explaining and re-explaining everything. It's only been 30 pages, Lynn...I get it.
Pretty charming characters though. ;)
But for real, I need Lynn Messina to stop explaining and re-explaining everything. It's only been 30 pages, Lynn...I get it.
Pretty charming characters though. ;)
November 5, 2019
I loved the first three books of the series, but this one was a little disappointing. I didn't enjoy the mystery, and Bea seemed to have stalled character development wise. I missed the banter and antics of the duke and Bea while "on the case" as well.
I'm still invested in these characters and feel optimistic book 5 reaffirm my adoration for the series.
I'm still invested in these characters and feel optimistic book 5 reaffirm my adoration for the series.
April 13, 2019
Almost a five
Were it not for the massive amount of time spent recapping the previous books in the series this would be an easy five atars.
Were it not for the massive amount of time spent recapping the previous books in the series this would be an easy five atars.
September 28, 2023
Un quatrième tome aussi agréable que les précédents, ce qui octroie à cette série un bonheur de lecture hautement anticipé ! 🫶🫶🫶
Depuis l'annonce (fracassante) de ses fiançailles, l'existence de Beatrice ressemble à un perpétuel bourdonnement de commérages. Mais la demoiselle n'en a cure. Elle souhaite d'abord éclaircir un drame du passé en enquêtant sur la mort de ses parents. Après quoi, elle se consacrera pleinement aux préparatifs qui mettent sa tante dans tous ses états !
En bref, la lecture joue sur plusieurs tableaux, entre l'intime, l'humour et l'ironie. C'est tout à fait exquis. Et puis le couple est adorable. Certes, ils ont moins l'occasion de se croiser car Beatrice garde ses investigations secrètes. Mais sitôt qu'ils se retrouvent, l'harmonie est intacte. Le personnage du duc révèle aussi une grande intelligence du cœur et de l'esprit pour son époque ! ♥
Big up pour la performance audio excellente.
Depuis l'annonce (fracassante) de ses fiançailles, l'existence de Beatrice ressemble à un perpétuel bourdonnement de commérages. Mais la demoiselle n'en a cure. Elle souhaite d'abord éclaircir un drame du passé en enquêtant sur la mort de ses parents. Après quoi, elle se consacrera pleinement aux préparatifs qui mettent sa tante dans tous ses états !
En bref, la lecture joue sur plusieurs tableaux, entre l'intime, l'humour et l'ironie. C'est tout à fait exquis. Et puis le couple est adorable. Certes, ils ont moins l'occasion de se croiser car Beatrice garde ses investigations secrètes. Mais sitôt qu'ils se retrouvent, l'harmonie est intacte. Le personnage du duc révèle aussi une grande intelligence du cœur et de l'esprit pour son époque ! ♥
Big up pour la performance audio excellente.
November 12, 2025
I adore Beatrice’s antics. I love how her boredom with her gentrified life drives her to defy social norms and solve mysteries. In this episode, she’s determined to understand her parents’ deaths. Kesgrave continues to be a worthy hero for her.
I liked that we got to understand more of what drove her relations to treat her the way they did. It doesn’t excuse their behavior, but the actions they believed her parents guilty of does inform the treatment.
I liked that we got to understand more of what drove her relations to treat her the way they did. It doesn’t excuse their behavior, but the actions they believed her parents guilty of does inform the treatment.
September 13, 2019
An unlikely slueth in Recency England
This is a charming quirky series that I hope continues for a long, long time. A repressed spinster who lives on the charity of her parsimonious relatives comes out of her shell and reveals that though she may seem boring she is anything but. She is actually brilliant and feisty and talented at rooting out murders. She also wins the heart of a handsome duke. The series is very funny!
This is a charming quirky series that I hope continues for a long, long time. A repressed spinster who lives on the charity of her parsimonious relatives comes out of her shell and reveals that though she may seem boring she is anything but. She is actually brilliant and feisty and talented at rooting out murders. She also wins the heart of a handsome duke. The series is very funny!
January 22, 2026
THIS WAS SO GOOD. I loved this book so much. Idk why it took me so long to read, but it was fire. AND THAT ENDING 🧑🏿🍳💋. I'm so excited to read the next book, and this storyline has just been great.
October 24, 2019
Despite everyone's expectations to the contrary, 'plain' spinster Beatrice Hyde-Clare has secured herself an engagement with the hadsome and illustrious Duke of Kesgrave, Damien Matlock. Daunted by the changes this will bring to her life in regards to her status and responsibilities, she is more than welcomes a destraction.
Her distraction comes in the form of a shocking revelation. Not all is as she once understood it when it comes to the tragic demise of he parents. Staggered by the implications of this possibility Bea feels compelled to investigate. The investigation will teach her more about her parents than she has ever had the fortune to know before. But perhaps knowledge isn't always power and some truths are better left hidden in the past?
__________________________________
A Nefarious Engagement is the fourth book in Lynn Messina's Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries series. I suppose you could get away with reading this book as a stand alone, as the author details the relevant background information that are pertinent to this mystery. But I highly recommend that you read these books together as a series and in order. It's the best way to truly appreciate the wonder that is Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare.
I adored meeting Mrs. Palmer's character and I hope we get to see more of a friendship between her and Bea as the series continues. Bea needs some females around her that also go against the grain of society and are as witty and educated as her. Plus she needs some females in her life that she doesn't have such a complex relationship with, like members of her family that took her in after her parents died or a woman who was close friends with her deceased mother and feels guilty for not reaching out sooner. As happy as I was to meet Mrs. Palmer, I was even more so to see Kesgrave's grandmother again. I adore that woman.
My respect for Damien really increased in this book. Sure he's not in this book as much as the others, but that's because he's giving Bea the space she needs to adjust to the engagement and her new status as the future Duchess of Kesgrave. This was actually one of my favorite aspcects of the book.
Without giving any spoilers, I knew who our villain was as soon as a certain glint in the sunlight was mentioned in passing. And it NEARLY killed me as I waited anxiously for Bea to put the information together as well. I knew it would be worth it when it clicked for her, but I was having the hardest time being patient.
And now I somehow have to find the strength to wait until November 15th to continue onto the fifth book in the series, A Treacherous Performance. But I'll be strong, I suppose three weeks won't kill me. While I wait, I plan to check out Lynn Messina's other Regency series, Love Takes Root.
Her distraction comes in the form of a shocking revelation. Not all is as she once understood it when it comes to the tragic demise of he parents. Staggered by the implications of this possibility Bea feels compelled to investigate. The investigation will teach her more about her parents than she has ever had the fortune to know before. But perhaps knowledge isn't always power and some truths are better left hidden in the past?
__________________________________
A Nefarious Engagement is the fourth book in Lynn Messina's Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries series. I suppose you could get away with reading this book as a stand alone, as the author details the relevant background information that are pertinent to this mystery. But I highly recommend that you read these books together as a series and in order. It's the best way to truly appreciate the wonder that is Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare.
I adored meeting Mrs. Palmer's character and I hope we get to see more of a friendship between her and Bea as the series continues. Bea needs some females around her that also go against the grain of society and are as witty and educated as her. Plus she needs some females in her life that she doesn't have such a complex relationship with, like members of her family that took her in after her parents died or a woman who was close friends with her deceased mother and feels guilty for not reaching out sooner. As happy as I was to meet Mrs. Palmer, I was even more so to see Kesgrave's grandmother again. I adore that woman.
My respect for Damien really increased in this book. Sure he's not in this book as much as the others, but that's because he's giving Bea the space she needs to adjust to the engagement and her new status as the future Duchess of Kesgrave. This was actually one of my favorite aspcects of the book.
Without giving any spoilers, I knew who our villain was as soon as a certain glint in the sunlight was mentioned in passing. And it NEARLY killed me as I waited anxiously for Bea to put the information together as well. I knew it would be worth it when it clicked for her, but I was having the hardest time being patient.
And now I somehow have to find the strength to wait until November 15th to continue onto the fifth book in the series, A Treacherous Performance. But I'll be strong, I suppose three weeks won't kill me. While I wait, I plan to check out Lynn Messina's other Regency series, Love Takes Root.
January 15, 2020
This one was a bit more heartwrenching than the last, because the murder being solved was that of her parents. And Bea was very emotional, understandably, but that led to her being rather blind to things that the Bea of the previous three books would have noticed.
But my main reason for giving it a lower rating is that so much of the book
Needless to say, The Duke of Kesgrave is perfect. I would put up with legions of footmen to be married to such a darling.
But my main reason for giving it a lower rating is that so much of the book
Needless to say, The Duke of Kesgrave is perfect. I would put up with legions of footmen to be married to such a darling.
October 1, 2021
Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries #4
Though I'm sure this book is necessary for the growth of Beatrice's character, not to mention the Duke's, it is still so much of a departure from the humor and wit of the previous books, that I found the angst overwhelming at times… At least the times that I didn't want to smack Beatrice in the back of the head and ask her what the heck she thought she was doing?! For an exceedingly clever woman, the paths she chose baffle & confound me. So much so, that now that it's over I have this great sense of relief.
The ending makes the trip through all of the angst well worth it. Enjoy!
Read:
September 29-30, 2021 – Audible Audiobook
Though I'm sure this book is necessary for the growth of Beatrice's character, not to mention the Duke's, it is still so much of a departure from the humor and wit of the previous books, that I found the angst overwhelming at times… At least the times that I didn't want to smack Beatrice in the back of the head and ask her what the heck she thought she was doing?! For an exceedingly clever woman, the paths she chose baffle & confound me. So much so, that now that it's over I have this great sense of relief.
The ending makes the trip through all of the angst well worth it. Enjoy!
Read:
September 29-30, 2021 – Audible Audiobook
May 3, 2024
J'attendais impatiemment la sortie de la version audio de ce quatrième opus ! Plaisir d'écoute et de lecture identique à ceux des précédents tomes.
On retrouve ici tout le mordant et l'humour de l'auteure, et - par procuration - de son héroïne. Beatrice Hyde-Clare possède un charme incroyable et ne séduit pas seulement le Duc de Kesgrave mais également le lecteur. Son intelligence et sa logique font mouche, son cynisme est un pur régal.
Un tome divertissant à souhait et réussi.
On retrouve ici tout le mordant et l'humour de l'auteure, et - par procuration - de son héroïne. Beatrice Hyde-Clare possède un charme incroyable et ne séduit pas seulement le Duc de Kesgrave mais également le lecteur. Son intelligence et sa logique font mouche, son cynisme est un pur régal.
Un tome divertissant à souhait et réussi.
May 21, 2024
4.75 stars. I was reluctant to read this one in case my beloved Duke was as absent as the last story but it not only delivered in the banter, the mystery was top notch. This story was a more personal story, I appreciated the look into Bea's past and travelled with her past her horror of what may have happened to arrive at a satisfying conclusion.
Bea also was warmly humorous when Kesgrave would sneak into the house to chat with her once the family had left. No hysterics, knowing she was safe with him :)
I was glad to travel from her early trepidation of becoming a duchess and no longer being able to solve mysteries to stepping out to trust Kesgrave and together they worked things out.
Even the unveiling of the villain was well done. But I feel bereft (look at me using fancy words) in seeing how easily Bea can marry Kesgrave with just a special license? No church wedding, not even getting excited about a dress? All the things we women plan for a wedding did NOT happen and I for one was surprised. Later, it sounded like the Duke did everything? Not sure if that was just the custom of the day.
Flora is developing into a better (?) character than originally portrayed, I like how she takes her mother to task. Lady Abercrombie plays a vital role but I feel like she gets shelved and then trotted out when her character is needed. The Duchess was a gas! Bea has found a kindred spirit.
Highlights & spoilers ahead:
The pressure on her chest grew from painful to unbearable as she began to wonder how many people believed as her aunt did—that she had dishonorably exploited the situation to improve her standing. Unable to breathe, Bea pivoted swiftly and strode to the door.
Lady A:
“It’s not too late for us to reverse our course,” her ladyship said with sudden vehemence. “Forget all about this unpleasantness and focus on something truly important like my missing gold locket. The story might have a few incongruencies now, but I promise to smooth them out and have the appropriate item of jewelry hopelessly lost by the end of the day."
Bea: Nothing in Beatrice’s life had prepared her for the exquisite torment of reading her dead mother’s letters.
-------------
Agitated by the predicament, for she could see no way forward that didn’t end with her heart shattered, she closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath.
Kesgrave as he snuck in:
“I would offer to share my knowledge of locks, which, despite your mockery, is actually quite considerable, in a private tutorial, but I fear your aunt would insist on joining that as well,” he said, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.
Now her heart fluttered.
------------------
5 types of beetroot! Bahahaha
“An addendum to the original,” he said. “I knew your aunt must have said something to unsettle you, for there could be no other explanation for your uncharacteristic reticence this afternoon. I have never known you to remain quiet when there is an opportunity to roast me. I made up five types of beetroot on the spot—no meager accomplishment, by the way, for unlike you I am not accustomed to inventing persons and things—and arranged them by size specifically to get a rise out of you and you didn’t look up once. Desperate for your attention, I even scrambled the order of the British ships that fought in the Battle of the Nile.”
---------------
Bea’s heart quivered again, for few things could reveal the depth of his affection more than a blatant disregard for the dictates of maritime tradition. “Moving the conversation from beetroot to naval battles could not have been a smooth transition.”
---------------
She could wallow in it, allow the prospect of an unwieldy staff to undermine her confidence as exhaustively as Miss Brougham’s spiteful comment had during her first season, or she could trust Kesgrave. (YES!)
---------------
“Coward,” Bea said tenderly. “Craven. Faint of heart.”
His fingers rested at the base of her spine. “Are you trying to provoke me into kissing you?”
She grinned at the charge and leaned forward until her mouth just touched his. “How am I doing?”
“Terribly,” he breathed before capturing her lips with his own.
The Duchess:
With no clever thoughts in her head, Bea resorted to the truth. “Thank you, your grace. The compliment is deeply appreciated by me, and I must own that I did not come here today expecting such a charitable reception. I assumed you would be unhappy with the arrangement, as I’m not what you or anybody could have wanted for Kesgrave.”
“You shouted,” her grace said.
Bea, who had managed an intelligible comment by what felt like the skin of her teeth, wondered if perhaps the real problem was her hearing. “I shouted?” she echoed.
“When Kesgrave brought you here to castigate you in private, you responded to his criticism with equal fervor and refused to melt in the heat of his anger,” she explained. “I can think of no better basis for a marriage.”
---------------
"You are quite clever. Damien needs someone who is clever and will stand up to him, not a simpering miss who will drive him to an early grave by agreeing with his every thought.
If I have to suffer a parcel of plain-faced great-grandchildren to see Damien properly settled with a woman who won’t let him descend into full-blown tyranny, then I am happy to do so.”
OMG swoon- love the Duke.
I liked this reminder: But power never yields without a struggle.
Bea also was warmly humorous when Kesgrave would sneak into the house to chat with her once the family had left. No hysterics, knowing she was safe with him :)
I was glad to travel from her early trepidation of becoming a duchess and no longer being able to solve mysteries to stepping out to trust Kesgrave and together they worked things out.
Even the unveiling of the villain was well done. But I feel bereft (look at me using fancy words) in seeing how easily Bea can marry Kesgrave with just a special license? No church wedding, not even getting excited about a dress? All the things we women plan for a wedding did NOT happen and I for one was surprised. Later, it sounded like the Duke did everything? Not sure if that was just the custom of the day.
Flora is developing into a better (?) character than originally portrayed, I like how she takes her mother to task. Lady Abercrombie plays a vital role but I feel like she gets shelved and then trotted out when her character is needed. The Duchess was a gas! Bea has found a kindred spirit.
Highlights & spoilers ahead:
The pressure on her chest grew from painful to unbearable as she began to wonder how many people believed as her aunt did—that she had dishonorably exploited the situation to improve her standing. Unable to breathe, Bea pivoted swiftly and strode to the door.
Lady A:
“It’s not too late for us to reverse our course,” her ladyship said with sudden vehemence. “Forget all about this unpleasantness and focus on something truly important like my missing gold locket. The story might have a few incongruencies now, but I promise to smooth them out and have the appropriate item of jewelry hopelessly lost by the end of the day."
Bea: Nothing in Beatrice’s life had prepared her for the exquisite torment of reading her dead mother’s letters.
-------------
Agitated by the predicament, for she could see no way forward that didn’t end with her heart shattered, she closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath.
Kesgrave as he snuck in:
“I would offer to share my knowledge of locks, which, despite your mockery, is actually quite considerable, in a private tutorial, but I fear your aunt would insist on joining that as well,” he said, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.
Now her heart fluttered.
------------------
5 types of beetroot! Bahahaha
“An addendum to the original,” he said. “I knew your aunt must have said something to unsettle you, for there could be no other explanation for your uncharacteristic reticence this afternoon. I have never known you to remain quiet when there is an opportunity to roast me. I made up five types of beetroot on the spot—no meager accomplishment, by the way, for unlike you I am not accustomed to inventing persons and things—and arranged them by size specifically to get a rise out of you and you didn’t look up once. Desperate for your attention, I even scrambled the order of the British ships that fought in the Battle of the Nile.”
---------------
Bea’s heart quivered again, for few things could reveal the depth of his affection more than a blatant disregard for the dictates of maritime tradition. “Moving the conversation from beetroot to naval battles could not have been a smooth transition.”
---------------
She could wallow in it, allow the prospect of an unwieldy staff to undermine her confidence as exhaustively as Miss Brougham’s spiteful comment had during her first season, or she could trust Kesgrave. (YES!)
---------------
“Coward,” Bea said tenderly. “Craven. Faint of heart.”
His fingers rested at the base of her spine. “Are you trying to provoke me into kissing you?”
She grinned at the charge and leaned forward until her mouth just touched his. “How am I doing?”
“Terribly,” he breathed before capturing her lips with his own.
The Duchess:
With no clever thoughts in her head, Bea resorted to the truth. “Thank you, your grace. The compliment is deeply appreciated by me, and I must own that I did not come here today expecting such a charitable reception. I assumed you would be unhappy with the arrangement, as I’m not what you or anybody could have wanted for Kesgrave.”
“You shouted,” her grace said.
Bea, who had managed an intelligible comment by what felt like the skin of her teeth, wondered if perhaps the real problem was her hearing. “I shouted?” she echoed.
“When Kesgrave brought you here to castigate you in private, you responded to his criticism with equal fervor and refused to melt in the heat of his anger,” she explained. “I can think of no better basis for a marriage.”
---------------
"You are quite clever. Damien needs someone who is clever and will stand up to him, not a simpering miss who will drive him to an early grave by agreeing with his every thought.
If I have to suffer a parcel of plain-faced great-grandchildren to see Damien properly settled with a woman who won’t let him descend into full-blown tyranny, then I am happy to do so.”
OMG swoon- love the Duke.
I liked this reminder: But power never yields without a struggle.
November 21, 2022
Loved the h's persistence as she exposes the details of her parent's death. She had to be so brave to uncover the awful truth. Once again the quiet H patiently waits for her to trust him enough to reveal herself to him. Together they expose the murderer. I really enjoyed his book, especially how the H showed his love for her.
January 22, 2021
The inner monologue is still distracting from the dialogues af. Sometimes it fits with the story, but overused. The romance part is beautiful depicting a very caring relationship. The mystery was obvious relatively early, but kept me emotionally invested. And I love how Kesgrave helps Hyde-Claire with her investigations and they're a team in mystery and mischief.
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