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A Governess of Distinction
Lord Percy Hunterdon he had inherited a Gothic horror of an estate along with a pair of fifteen-year-old brats to marry off. It was no secret to him that finding husbands for these two vile young ladies would require the utmost the care of a governess of superior caliber.
When Jean Morrison spied Lord Hunterdon's advertisement, dreams of an unmarried viscount and a magnificent castle danced in her head. She imagined him as Byronic and brooding, pacing the battlements with a black cloak wrapped around his manly shoulders. And naturally, he would fall madly in love with her.
Her dreams immediately burst apart at the seams when she saw the dank, dirty Trelawney Castle and encountered for the first time the evil dispositions of her new charges. Still, despite all of this, the golden hair and dancing eyes of her employer conjured up fantasies that were most unseemly for a governess of distinction.
When Jean Morrison spied Lord Hunterdon's advertisement, dreams of an unmarried viscount and a magnificent castle danced in her head. She imagined him as Byronic and brooding, pacing the battlements with a black cloak wrapped around his manly shoulders. And naturally, he would fall madly in love with her.
Her dreams immediately burst apart at the seams when she saw the dank, dirty Trelawney Castle and encountered for the first time the evil dispositions of her new charges. Still, despite all of this, the golden hair and dancing eyes of her employer conjured up fantasies that were most unseemly for a governess of distinction.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published December 20, 1992
About the author
Marion Chesney
148 books763 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 29, 2019
.
Marion Chesney/M. C. Beaton presents another historical romance in A Governess of Distinction, combining humor, wit, and historical accuracy with the inclusion of the comical silliness in the Regency era. This is a light read with an interesting plotline which includes: a love-sick governess who is head-over-heels for the beauteous golden haired Lord Percy Hunterdon, and two spoiled 15-year olds using every villainous trick they can concoct to rid themselves of the governess.
The Endearing Young Charms collection are lighter romances from the countryside with highlights including: a botched marriage, a witty governess, unexpected inheritance, and the courtship of prime Corinthians.
M. C. Beaton is the pen name of bestselling novelist Marion Chesney. The author has written under various names, most notably as M. C. Beaton for her Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series. Marion has also has written under the names Sarah Chester, Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Marion Gibbons, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward. One of her most enjoyable series was entitled 'The Poor Relations'. Now that series captivated and entertained this reader from start until finish!
Marion Chesney/M. C. Beaton presents another historical romance in A Governess of Distinction, combining humor, wit, and historical accuracy with the inclusion of the comical silliness in the Regency era. This is a light read with an interesting plotline which includes: a love-sick governess who is head-over-heels for the beauteous golden haired Lord Percy Hunterdon, and two spoiled 15-year olds using every villainous trick they can concoct to rid themselves of the governess.
The Endearing Young Charms collection are lighter romances from the countryside with highlights including: a botched marriage, a witty governess, unexpected inheritance, and the courtship of prime Corinthians.
M. C. Beaton is the pen name of bestselling novelist Marion Chesney. The author has written under various names, most notably as M. C. Beaton for her Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series. Marion has also has written under the names Sarah Chester, Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Marion Gibbons, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward. One of her most enjoyable series was entitled 'The Poor Relations'. Now that series captivated and entertained this reader from start until finish!
November 7, 2018
Typical Marion Chesney fluff that, as always, got me flustered and entertained. Full RTC
February 20, 2019
Oh, I remember this one! This is the one with the two semi-literate and terribly awful orphans that young Scottish governess Jean has to "finish." I always remember that the twins, despite being a brother and sister, look much the same except that the girl has a unibrow! Silly fun and just a bit kissy-kissy, as with all Chesney's romances!
July 20, 2013
Super-cute Chesney novel about a poor governess who dreams of marrying her boss, a bachelor viscount. Too bad that her charges are two terrible 15-year-old twins who are trying to murder her!
May 23, 2015
Two 15 year old minions of Hell
The Viscount not only inherited money and a estate, but the supposed 2 daughters of the former master and his maid. His keeping the inheritance totally hinged on taking care of the two devil girls. What I particularly enjoyed was that the girls were most irredeemable as usually in these stories the governess somehow transforms them with her love and care. Yes the loving governess is there, yet so are the bad seeds. Never fear, a HEA ending is achieved.
The Viscount not only inherited money and a estate, but the supposed 2 daughters of the former master and his maid. His keeping the inheritance totally hinged on taking care of the two devil girls. What I particularly enjoyed was that the girls were most irredeemable as usually in these stories the governess somehow transforms them with her love and care. Yes the loving governess is there, yet so are the bad seeds. Never fear, a HEA ending is achieved.
April 18, 2012
Excellent book -- really shows Chesney's cruelty and realism -- every character is not "good", not "redeemed". Good starter book.
October 10, 2017
I was excited for this one but the end felt SO rushed and the romance just didn't work for me. And none of the characters were really all that likeable.
July 29, 2022
I rated this a 3 because the story itself is okay, though the characters of the twin sisters are so horrid they are off-putting.
But because I listened to the Blackstone Audio edition, I can only give this 1 star, it’s that awful. The voice of narrator Charlotte Anne Dore is so grating I could barely stand to finish it. Unfortunately, she also narrates book 3 of the Endearing Young Charms” series, “A Marriage of Inconvenience”.
Thankfully Blackstone hired different narrators for the other books in the series, but it should rerecord both books with a different narrator, one with a more pleasant voice. Dore’s voice seriously reminded me of fingernails scraping a chalkboard. I can’t imagine why they ever hired her in the first place.
But because I listened to the Blackstone Audio edition, I can only give this 1 star, it’s that awful. The voice of narrator Charlotte Anne Dore is so grating I could barely stand to finish it. Unfortunately, she also narrates book 3 of the Endearing Young Charms” series, “A Marriage of Inconvenience”.
Thankfully Blackstone hired different narrators for the other books in the series, but it should rerecord both books with a different narrator, one with a more pleasant voice. Dore’s voice seriously reminded me of fingernails scraping a chalkboard. I can’t imagine why they ever hired her in the first place.
June 20, 2015
Such a fun and enjoyable audiobook! Loved the story, loved the narrator, and even laughed out loud a few times.
July 14, 2024
4 Devil Incarnate Girls Stars
Tropes: Governess, Dandy
Content Warnings: Fatphobia, Anti-Romani Racial Slurs
What an absolutely wild book. I wasn't swooning over this, exactly, but I did laugh several times. I think this might have more in common with Oscar Wilde than with Austen, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Lord Percy Hunterdon inherits an estate and a large inheritance on the condition that he raises the relative's twin daughters. Completely unprepared to raise children, he seeks out a governess, only for hopeful Jean Morrison to arrive on his doorstep. Tired of being a companion to exhausting aunts, Jean wants a fresh start. Unfortunately, this fresh start involves trying to bring twins Amanda and Clarissa up to scratch. Which is quite difficult, because they are evil. Every time you think they'll start to lighten up, they find a new scheme to make Jean and Percy's lives miserable. They are fun antagonists, though I could have done with less descriptions of their weight and affection for chocolates.
Jean is, frankly, not cut out to be a governess. She's too romantic, too taken in by emotional manipulation, and a smidge too proper. But that does make her a fun, silly heroine. Not to be outdone, Percy is my favorite character in this book. A dandy through and through, he is annoyed at his compulsion to fix his estates and argues that all of that beneficence is purely self-serving. And he drops his polished manners, delivering blunt takedowns, at the most perfect moments. I laughed at him several times throughout.
The general hijinks that pack this book mean that there is not much time for emotionally resonant connection, but I can only dock so many points for that when the book is this fun. I appreciate the audacity factor of this book. Chesney tapped into some screwball comedy vibes and I applaud her for it.
Tropes: Governess, Dandy
Content Warnings: Fatphobia, Anti-Romani Racial Slurs
What an absolutely wild book. I wasn't swooning over this, exactly, but I did laugh several times. I think this might have more in common with Oscar Wilde than with Austen, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Lord Percy Hunterdon inherits an estate and a large inheritance on the condition that he raises the relative's twin daughters. Completely unprepared to raise children, he seeks out a governess, only for hopeful Jean Morrison to arrive on his doorstep. Tired of being a companion to exhausting aunts, Jean wants a fresh start. Unfortunately, this fresh start involves trying to bring twins Amanda and Clarissa up to scratch. Which is quite difficult, because they are evil. Every time you think they'll start to lighten up, they find a new scheme to make Jean and Percy's lives miserable. They are fun antagonists, though I could have done with less descriptions of their weight and affection for chocolates.
Jean is, frankly, not cut out to be a governess. She's too romantic, too taken in by emotional manipulation, and a smidge too proper. But that does make her a fun, silly heroine. Not to be outdone, Percy is my favorite character in this book. A dandy through and through, he is annoyed at his compulsion to fix his estates and argues that all of that beneficence is purely self-serving. And he drops his polished manners, delivering blunt takedowns, at the most perfect moments. I laughed at him several times throughout.
The general hijinks that pack this book mean that there is not much time for emotionally resonant connection, but I can only dock so many points for that when the book is this fun. I appreciate the audacity factor of this book. Chesney tapped into some screwball comedy vibes and I applaud her for it.
January 20, 2023
A quick read and not unenjoyable but definitely not amazing.
I hated that the twins’ physical appearance got so much attention, almost as though it rejected their character, and that their speech was unrefined despite how they were raised. If they had been the children of a different marriage I wouldn’t have minded so much, but the class disparity of having a housewife as a mother felt like unfortunate social commentary.
Both dramatic subplots (smuggling, kidnapping) were resolved far too easily.
Jean seemed sweet but there was nothing in the relationship between her and the Viscount that actually felt believable.
It was still very readable, but it really was a product of its time.
I hated that the twins’ physical appearance got so much attention, almost as though it rejected their character, and that their speech was unrefined despite how they were raised. If they had been the children of a different marriage I wouldn’t have minded so much, but the class disparity of having a housewife as a mother felt like unfortunate social commentary.
Both dramatic subplots (smuggling, kidnapping) were resolved far too easily.
Jean seemed sweet but there was nothing in the relationship between her and the Viscount that actually felt believable.
It was still very readable, but it really was a product of its time.
February 3, 2023
A wonderful book that takes us to a castle and a different time. Jean Morrison wanted to change her life and when the prospect of being a governess of distinction came up, she leapt for it. What a great move on her part! Read on to see how she handles the two girls put in her care and decide for yourself if she made the right decisions. I give it five stars for the entertaining antics and actions of many characters. Life sure wasn't boring.
March 11, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up.
Not sure what I expected. It was an ok book to read while snowed into our house...but not something I would probably pick up again. It did make me laugh a few times...but I don't think I was suppose to when I did...mostly I found myself rolling my eyes and scoffing.
Not sure what I expected. It was an ok book to read while snowed into our house...but not something I would probably pick up again. It did make me laugh a few times...but I don't think I was suppose to when I did...mostly I found myself rolling my eyes and scoffing.
January 29, 2024
This one is even worse than the first one I read. I just want to scream at her, especially about choosing a costume for the ball. Not to mention that it seems like the author just wants to throw in random information about the Regency period.
May 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. The FMC was sometimes a ninny and too trusting, but one can overlook that, as people are probably more inherently trusting than I may be. I want to know more of what happened to the nasty twins. I want to see their redemption story.
May 29, 2020
As always, a reliable comfort read.
January 6, 2022
Should be called Governess of stupidity.
June 24, 2022
10 years ago I gave this author everything from two stars to four stars. The last two books I have read by her have been a great disappointment.
June 26, 2022
Really good, enjoyed.. 📚
June 8, 2023
The bride is a milquetoast naive. The evil twins cunning. The Viscount all knowing and not romantic.
February 16, 2026
Great villains.
March 19, 2026
Very funny romp.
February 23, 2017
Lovely, easy little story with an interesting plot and characters. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook!
June 28, 2015
" I have been a fan of M.C.Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish McBeath's detective adventures for years. So I decided to give this regency romance book written under her other nom de plume--Marion Chesney--a chance. I actually rather enjoyed it though the heroine, Jean Morrison, drove me crazy at times. Let's see--the beauteous golden haired Lord Percy Hunterdon's 15 year old twin evil charges have tried every trick in the book, even plotting to kill her, to get rid of this annoying governess, yet sweet Jean just cannot believe such young "children" could ever mean to harm her. Love is all you need to reach these hellions. NOT! Fortunately, Lord Hunterdon is much keener on their true nature, yet restrains himself from giving these two villains their due because of Jean's pleading. Admittedly, these misses Courtney make for great villains and their treachery is unbounded. One literally cringes at their audacity but never fear, all is well in the end. But what a fun and furious ride to get there, all the while despairing of Miss Jean's blinded devotion yet amazed, and relieved, when she actually does find her spine, yet to fall back again into "love conquers all" mode. Aaahhh! Reader Charlotte Anne Dore does a spectacular job of capturing all the characters' goodness and evilness! (less) "
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July 20, 2020
I adore Chesney [or M.C. Beaton] as she is also known. Her wit and humour are marvellous. Take for example the final lines of the novel. "I knew it would work," she said. "Nothing like a handsome, lusty man to bring a slut to heal!" Fabulous!
Hunterdon and Jean are so funny. She is so innocent, so ready to believe and trust the horrid twins while Percy Hunterdon has the measure of them but can't be bothered to do much since he's the rake and the indolent gentleman of the era. And yet, he ends up doing the right thing, taking his Gothic horror of an inheritance in hand and defeating the ghastly Toad Basil. Fabulous.
I adored the servants, the tenants and the way they all worked together. She is such a good writer. A really entertaining book.
second reading -
Enjoying a book a second time does show that it is something more than mere fluff. I appreciated Beaton highlighting the horrors of smuggling and making it something other than a romantic occupation. Perdu is a beast, and the twins equally vile.
Hunterdon and Jean are so funny. She is so innocent, so ready to believe and trust the horrid twins while Percy Hunterdon has the measure of them but can't be bothered to do much since he's the rake and the indolent gentleman of the era. And yet, he ends up doing the right thing, taking his Gothic horror of an inheritance in hand and defeating the ghastly Toad Basil. Fabulous.
I adored the servants, the tenants and the way they all worked together. She is such a good writer. A really entertaining book.
second reading -
Enjoying a book a second time does show that it is something more than mere fluff. I appreciated Beaton highlighting the horrors of smuggling and making it something other than a romantic occupation. Perdu is a beast, and the twins equally vile.
March 14, 2015
Having inherited a Gothic horror of an estate and two fifteen-year-old brats to marry off, Lord Percy Hunterdon despaired. Nothing short of a miracle could make these two vile young ladies marriageable. He needed a top-notch governess. When Jean Morrison saw his ad, visions of a magnificent castle and a handsome. viscount who would certainly fall in love with her. She was half right!
READ IT IN ONE DAY.
READ IT IN ONE DAY.
December 6, 2013
Another reviewer called this book 'Fun Fluff', I concur. If you like Regency novels, here you are. Not as witty as Heyer, and definitely not very complex. It is a really easy read for the escapist. I liked it.
May 14, 2010
Fun fluff!
March 13, 2011
THIS is one of the funniest Marion Chesney books I have ever read, and contains passages I have remembered (and used) for years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews