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Accompanied by His Wife
The deception grew entirely out of hand
For the sake of Mrs. Harnby, Michael's sweet but ailing mother, that Patricia agreed to the fantastic suggestion that she masquerade for a few days as Michael Harnby's wife.
How was she to know that the deception would spread so widely - with disastrous consequences that would threaten both her future and Michael's?
But the most unexpected consequence was the realization that Patricia actually enjoyed having Michael as a "mock" husband, even though she knew he was pining for the woman he had lost!
For the sake of Mrs. Harnby, Michael's sweet but ailing mother, that Patricia agreed to the fantastic suggestion that she masquerade for a few days as Michael Harnby's wife.
How was she to know that the deception would spread so widely - with disastrous consequences that would threaten both her future and Michael's?
But the most unexpected consequence was the realization that Patricia actually enjoyed having Michael as a "mock" husband, even though she knew he was pining for the woman he had lost!
Paperback
First published January 1, 1941
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About the author
Mary Burchell
162 books84 followersIda Cook was born on 1904 at 37 Croft Avenue, Sunderland, England. With her eldest sister Mary Louise Cook (1901), she attending the Duchess' School in Alnwick. Later the sisters took civil service jobs in London, and developed a passionate interest in opera. The sisters helped 29 jews to escape from the Nazis, funded mainly by Ida's writing. In 1965, the Cook sisters were honored as Righteous Gentiles by the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel.
As Mary Burchell, she published more than 125 romance novels by Mills & Boon since 1936. She also wrote some western novels as James Keene in collaboration with the author Will Cook (aka Frank Peace). In 1950, Ida Cook wrote her autobiography: "We followed our stars". She helped to found the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was its president from 1966 to her death on December 22, 1986.
As Mary Burchell, she published more than 125 romance novels by Mills & Boon since 1936. She also wrote some western novels as James Keene in collaboration with the author Will Cook (aka Frank Peace). In 1950, Ida Cook wrote her autobiography: "We followed our stars". She helped to found the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was its president from 1966 to her death on December 22, 1986.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 12, 2017
Trust me HP readers, this one is a gem. These two start up a masquerade as husband and wife in order to make the last days of the hero's mother unstressfull. The down on her luck heroine is strong and plucky with a level head and a great sense of humor. The hero is pretty beta in a bewildered, befuddled but sincerely nice and giving way. When the hero's mother seems to be getting better, the masquerade spirals out of control. Great main characters especially the heroine. Because the story is told entirely in her POV, you know her better. The secondary characters are fully realized and great in their own rights. The end was just a slight bit short with the I love yous but probably only because I like the characters to really wallow around in the love fest at the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.
November 23, 2012
I read this book based on a review from another goodreads reader, and I am glad that I did. In typical Burchell fashion, it is light on the sexual chemistry, but the entertaining value of the story more than makes up for it.
A unique trademark of Burchell's work, is the incredible depth she gives to her characters, not only the H/h, but the secondary ones as well. This is a story of a woman whose luck suddenly changes as she masquerades as the wife of a man she has just met.
It's a delightful story, filled with twists and turns that you don't see coming. I highly recommend.
A unique trademark of Burchell's work, is the incredible depth she gives to her characters, not only the H/h, but the secondary ones as well. This is a story of a woman whose luck suddenly changes as she masquerades as the wife of a man she has just met.
It's a delightful story, filled with twists and turns that you don't see coming. I highly recommend.
November 20, 2017
Mary Burchell always comes up with interesting plotlines. This one is no exception. The h of this story too stands out - she’s such a sensible and true to herself person, even when she is masquerading to be someone else.
The h is on her last cents as she’s turned away from a governessing job she’d put all her hopes on. Walking away she’s almost run down by a gentleman (the H) who agrees to give her a lift back to London. (Sensible her is not above asking for a lift to save her last bit of cash.) Turns out the gentleman’s wife has run out on him after a six months of marriage (these six months spent on an extended honeymoon!), leaving him in a fix in more ways than one. His mother is sick and apparently on her deathbed and is asking to to meet with her till now unseen daughter-in-aw.
A plan is hatched between the two, originating from the odd chance that the h has the same name as the errant wife, that she’d go with him as his wife and ease his mother’s last days – and then they’d plan as the days go by.
The irony is that the mother meets with the h and revives enough for the doctor to declare her as hale and hearty as she can be – leaving these two in coils of their own making.
To add to the confusion, the h’s old beau, who’d dropped her as so much hot potato when her father went bankrupt, shows up and shows interest in picking up where they’d left off. The practical h doesn't discourage him.
And if that wasn’t enough, the runaway wife too comes back to lay her claim – or were her reasons slightly more outrageous?
Our platonic roommates leave it a bit late for mutual feelings to evolve, and are only supportive and comradely towards each other till the end.
I liked the h a lot and also the H to some extent but only when I could forget his complete nincompoopery in getting taken in by a greedy, immoral harpy. And on top of it, he makes excuses for her going away with another man. I knew there was a reason why I am not so much into placatory betas.
The h is on her last cents as she’s turned away from a governessing job she’d put all her hopes on. Walking away she’s almost run down by a gentleman (the H) who agrees to give her a lift back to London. (Sensible her is not above asking for a lift to save her last bit of cash.) Turns out the gentleman’s wife has run out on him after a six months of marriage (these six months spent on an extended honeymoon!), leaving him in a fix in more ways than one. His mother is sick and apparently on her deathbed and is asking to to meet with her till now unseen daughter-in-aw.
A plan is hatched between the two, originating from the odd chance that the h has the same name as the errant wife, that she’d go with him as his wife and ease his mother’s last days – and then they’d plan as the days go by.
The irony is that the mother meets with the h and revives enough for the doctor to declare her as hale and hearty as she can be – leaving these two in coils of their own making.
To add to the confusion, the h’s old beau, who’d dropped her as so much hot potato when her father went bankrupt, shows up and shows interest in picking up where they’d left off. The practical h doesn't discourage him.
And if that wasn’t enough, the runaway wife too comes back to lay her claim – or were her reasons slightly more outrageous?
Our platonic roommates leave it a bit late for mutual feelings to evolve, and are only supportive and comradely towards each other till the end.
I liked the h a lot and also the H to some extent but only when I could forget his complete nincompoopery in getting taken in by a greedy, immoral harpy. And on top of it, he makes excuses for her going away with another man. I knew there was a reason why I am not so much into placatory betas.
October 9, 2024
The hero was nice enough by Harlequin standards but couldn’t outsmart a potato, while the heroine carried the story. It’s a fun read, but they barely spent any time together to actually fall in love, and the abrupt ending left me unsatisfied.
April 18, 2013
An interesting story about a man who married in haste and then his wife left him. He needs a wife to visit his sick mother and meets a girl who is in desperate need of job.
Complications ensure when they have to live as man and wife and of course the real wife turns up.
Interesting story with one of Burchell's impulsive and stubborn heroes who needs a good woman.
Complications ensure when they have to live as man and wife and of course the real wife turns up.
Interesting story with one of Burchell's impulsive and stubborn heroes who needs a good woman.
March 7, 2018
This was hands down, the most unusual harlequin I've ever read.
Patricia the lady down on her luck and Michael the man who needs a favour.
Patricia and Michael meet when she is literally down to her last few dollars. He almost runs her over because he is so distracted by the defection of his wife. Newly wedded, she left him to take off with some strange man. Now he has to tell his possibly dying mother about this? No way... funny that Patricia's first name is the same as his errant wife's. (well except the she-devil goes by 'Pat').
They make a pact. She will pretend to be Pat, and he will help her financially. There's no sums said, and they are both terribly nice, polite, proper, upstanding Brits. Sounds simple enough, but it's the details and unexpected circumstances that make the lie stretch to an almost unbearably ridiculous conundrum.
They get along quite well, but there's not really a hint of romance til they've spent a fair bit of time together... Afterall, he is married. And she.. well she meets the man she used to be seeing before she became impoverished. She believes herself to be in love with him. Both MCs are awfully understanding of each other's circumstances.
Things are going rather well, till about halfway in when... (cue evil music) the WIFE returns!
Really, they never would have gotten anywhere if it weren't for his wise, and not as sickly as they thought, mother.
Usually, I would be pretty bothered that the H is married to the OW. But somehow it wasn't that big a deal. I did wonder how the author was going to get rid of her before the end. But fear not, all the lies eventually unravel themselves, with a little help.
The ending was a little abrupt, which is another thing that normally peeves me, but it strangely fit the story.
safety is surprisingly good
Patricia the lady down on her luck and Michael the man who needs a favour.
Patricia and Michael meet when she is literally down to her last few dollars. He almost runs her over because he is so distracted by the defection of his wife. Newly wedded, she left him to take off with some strange man. Now he has to tell his possibly dying mother about this? No way... funny that Patricia's first name is the same as his errant wife's. (well except the she-devil goes by 'Pat').
They make a pact. She will pretend to be Pat, and he will help her financially. There's no sums said, and they are both terribly nice, polite, proper, upstanding Brits. Sounds simple enough, but it's the details and unexpected circumstances that make the lie stretch to an almost unbearably ridiculous conundrum.
They get along quite well, but there's not really a hint of romance til they've spent a fair bit of time together... Afterall, he is married. And she.. well she meets the man she used to be seeing before she became impoverished. She believes herself to be in love with him. Both MCs are awfully understanding of each other's circumstances.
Things are going rather well, till about halfway in when... (cue evil music) the WIFE returns!
Really, they never would have gotten anywhere if it weren't for his wise, and not as sickly as they thought, mother.
Usually, I would be pretty bothered that the H is married to the OW. But somehow it wasn't that big a deal. I did wonder how the author was going to get rid of her before the end. But fear not, all the lies eventually unravel themselves, with a little help.
The ending was a little abrupt, which is another thing that normally peeves me, but it strangely fit the story.
safety is surprisingly good
June 3, 2022
This was a nice little novels,simple and fun read. There were not many characters but only a handful. The best character in this book for me was the hero's mother who was top class and could easily understand the opposite person's motives. She single handedly rescues her son the hero Michael from a hopeless marriage where his wife pat IA trying to get money out of him through a divorce. The other best character is the heroine Patricia who wa such a lovable,friendly and humble character.
I really liked the writing of this author who didn't drag the storyline unnecessarily and kept it short and sweet.
I really liked the writing of this author who didn't drag the storyline unnecessarily and kept it short and sweet.
Read
December 26, 2024The elder Mrs. Harnby is the real star here, which is fine because I love her.
August 10, 2020
This novel by Mary Burchell is deserving of that old-fashioned term 'delightful'.
'Accompanied By His Wife' reminded me why I consider the author one of Alan Boon's stand-out novelists during the 1950's and 1960's.
The hero and heroine of this novel are immensely likeable, as is the hero's mother who they are trying to protect, the OM and OW are humanly despicable (as opposed to pastiche villains) and the dialogue fast-pace, deprecatory and highly amusing. And to make matters even better, until the books' final pages, I genuinely wasn't certain how the HEA could come about.
I'm rating 'Accompanied By His Wife' four-and-a half vintage stars - I'd even place it slightly ahead of Burchell's rather fabulous Meet Me Again.
-- If you're into vintage romance - this one truly is a MUST.
'Accompanied By His Wife' reminded me why I consider the author one of Alan Boon's stand-out novelists during the 1950's and 1960's.
The hero and heroine of this novel are immensely likeable, as is the hero's mother who they are trying to protect, the OM and OW are humanly despicable (as opposed to pastiche villains) and the dialogue fast-pace, deprecatory and highly amusing. And to make matters even better, until the books' final pages, I genuinely wasn't certain how the HEA could come about.
I'm rating 'Accompanied By His Wife' four-and-a half vintage stars - I'd even place it slightly ahead of Burchell's rather fabulous Meet Me Again.
-- If you're into vintage romance - this one truly is a MUST.
October 23, 2013
Cute read. Not my absolute favorite of what I've read by Mary Burchell, but still enjoyable. I think I didn't like the hero as much in this one as in some of her others, though I did like him. And I never love a storyline where the hero thinks he might love another woman (especially one who is prettier than the heroine), although this one didn't play that up much or for very long. So, basically a good, not great read.
September 8, 2021
This was not as good as others I have read! It didn't offer any feels IMHO. I was surprised to find after looking up her biography that she published this in 1941. I thought it might be that old when h took off her hat at one point. Another book that I really enjoyed by her was Except my Love (the one with an awful front Cover) and it was published in 1937. I would not have guessed that year! I definitely was moved more by that plot line than in this book. It felt too fluffy.
December 31, 2012
Rating 3.5 stars
A dated but enjoyable book. Both the hero and heroine are blinded by others but recover to find each other.
A dated but enjoyable book. Both the hero and heroine are blinded by others but recover to find each other.
March 3, 2016
3.5 stars would be more accurate.
The first half of the book is faultless. The hero is in a harassed state of mind because his wife ran away on their honeymoon. No points for guessing that the wife is the other woman , not the heroine.
The heroine is a penniless once-upon-a-time rich girl desperately looking for work and a living now. She bangs into the heroes' car quite conveniently. While giving her a lift, both of them come up with this brilliant plan of the heroine impersonating his run-away wife, in front of his ailing mother.
Some pretty intriguing and cute confusions follow. And both of them work around them admirably. They love the idea of the team they have become.
From here, the story could have gotten a little more romantic and a little less vindictive, with the exes (Oh, the heroine has an ex too, a vile one obviously). The leads are not shown growing to love each other. They just fight through their troubles till the end.
And the ailing mother. Physically bed-ridden may be , but she is smarter than the hero and heroine put together. She manages to call the other woman's (the run-away ex) bluff, and drill into the heroes head, what he is missing if he lets the girl go. The wild guesses mommy makes about the run-away ex are rather preposterous. Creative license stretched too far. But its fiction after all ...
What about the heroine now, where does she go ?? Well, mommy dear knows it all, so no more masquerade. Although by now, the girl has had a sudden bout of realization - I love my fake husband !!
They are in bed together, sharing troubles, consoling each other and he is almost brotherly in providing comfort. How depressing! Mary Burchell, this is a romance novel, not a family drama !
Yes, there is a customary end of the book kiss. So readers have to make do with just that. Sigh !!!
The first half of the book is faultless. The hero is in a harassed state of mind because his wife ran away on their honeymoon. No points for guessing that the wife is the other woman , not the heroine.
The heroine is a penniless once-upon-a-time rich girl desperately looking for work and a living now. She bangs into the heroes' car quite conveniently. While giving her a lift, both of them come up with this brilliant plan of the heroine impersonating his run-away wife, in front of his ailing mother.
Some pretty intriguing and cute confusions follow. And both of them work around them admirably. They love the idea of the team they have become.
From here, the story could have gotten a little more romantic and a little less vindictive, with the exes (Oh, the heroine has an ex too, a vile one obviously). The leads are not shown growing to love each other. They just fight through their troubles till the end.
And the ailing mother. Physically bed-ridden may be , but she is smarter than the hero and heroine put together. She manages to call the other woman's (the run-away ex) bluff, and drill into the heroes head, what he is missing if he lets the girl go. The wild guesses mommy makes about the run-away ex are rather preposterous. Creative license stretched too far. But its fiction after all ...
What about the heroine now, where does she go ?? Well, mommy dear knows it all, so no more masquerade. Although by now, the girl has had a sudden bout of realization - I love my fake husband !!
They are in bed together, sharing troubles, consoling each other and he is almost brotherly in providing comfort. How depressing! Mary Burchell, this is a romance novel, not a family drama !
Yes, there is a customary end of the book kiss. So readers have to make do with just that. Sigh !!!
July 17, 2018
Patricia is down to her last pennies and had hoped to get a job, what she got was hit by a car. But barely injured, but crafty, she gets a free ride back home to London. Upon talking with the guy who was the driver of the car, she finds out he's married to a woman who left him while on a cruise. He is currently on his way to see his dying mother. He's trying to figure out how or if he tells his mother that the daughter-in-law she has yet to meet, has left him for another man. Patricia needs a job and Michael needs a fake wife. Silly sounding yet? Honestly it was a good book, far from great, but I'm in love with Michael's mom, she is a firebrand. The two stars are actually for her alone, the other characters are drivel compared to her.
May 25, 2025
Another great book by Mary Burchell. Unsurprisingly, with more grey-eyed characters.
Michael runs into Patricia while she is walking along the road. He discovers her financial situation (dire) and she discovers his marital situation (dire). To protect his dying mother from the news that her son's new marriage is a failure, Patricia poses as Michael's wife, whom his mother has never seen.
And then there is Phil--lovesick, self-absorbed, irresponsible Phil. He finds Patricia, his old girlfriend, again after she's "married" to Michael.
And then Pat, Michael's absent wife, shows up in all her glory.
Michael's delightfully shrewd mother is my favorite character. I also enjoyed the way Patricia manages 4-year-old Deborah.
Grey eyes: Mrs. Harmby (Michael's mother); Phil
Michael runs into Patricia while she is walking along the road. He discovers her financial situation (dire) and she discovers his marital situation (dire). To protect his dying mother from the news that her son's new marriage is a failure, Patricia poses as Michael's wife, whom his mother has never seen.
And then there is Phil--lovesick, self-absorbed, irresponsible Phil. He finds Patricia, his old girlfriend, again after she's "married" to Michael.
And then Pat, Michael's absent wife, shows up in all her glory.
Michael's delightfully shrewd mother is my favorite character. I also enjoyed the way Patricia manages 4-year-old Deborah.
Grey eyes: Mrs. Harmby (Michael's mother); Phil
April 17, 2023
Oh my goodness this had to be the wimpiest hero ever. I swear I haven't read about one like this ever I don't think k. This is very dated. My mother loved Mary Burchell and I read her books so I am familiar with them and the fact most of them were wrote in the late 30's. I still like them though. They are like an old sweater. Comfortable and a little nostalgic and that is how this book was to me. Glad I read it. Made me think of my Mother and its her birthday weekend so it was nice. I loved his Mother and little Deborah. Very endearing characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2018
Mary Burchell writes very well, almost too good for HQ land. Perhaps page limitation is what prevents her stories from becoming really great and most of the time leaves a feeling of they ended too soon.
This was good book too even the romance part not quite satisfactory. Secondary characters were as good as the primary once. Child was so loveable. I wanted to reach out and just hug her. Mother In Law was a fresh breath of air with her loving wisdom.
This was good book too even the romance part not quite satisfactory. Secondary characters were as good as the primary once. Child was so loveable. I wanted to reach out and just hug her. Mother In Law was a fresh breath of air with her loving wisdom.
April 22, 2018
This was a fun read. The heroine and the Hero are likable. It does not contain angst or weird stuff haha. I like this one. I mean I really really like this one. The only reason why minus star was...the story was too short for the 'romance' of the MC's.
September 10, 2024
I didn’t read the book in its entirety because it bored me, I still have to give it another go to fill in a few blanks for myself, however the real reason I like to read Mary Burchell books is that one feels one’s watching a black and white movie from the thirties and it’s fun.
February 28, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up because it’s by Mary Burchell.
Definitely not her best. It’s all too sugary sweet and twee, and not particularly romantic when you consider the two main characters spend most of the novel convinced they love other people.
Definitely not her best. It’s all too sugary sweet and twee, and not particularly romantic when you consider the two main characters spend most of the novel convinced they love other people.
August 8, 2025
Delightful story! Nothing too angsty, it almost felt like an old 40's movie with an intent to keep the mother calm in her illness, the hero and heroine contrived a plot to pretend they were man and wife while the "real" wife abandoned her husband. However, the mother wasn't duped!
July 15, 2018
Weak hero.
October 4, 2018
A fun vintage romance I picked up at a campground book exchange. A marriage-of-convenience plot with a surprise ending.
January 15, 2021
I hated the abrupt ending. I would have wanted to read more romance in it because it felt like they were literally just friends. I didn't feel the chemistry. Still a good read though.
May 19, 2021
MB is such a good writer.. Always a pleasure to read her.
I loved the strong heroine and the kind hero.
I loved the strong heroine and the kind hero.
April 6, 2023
Well,I can't help wondering: do such things ever happen?
February 29, 2024
Unique premise, smart heroine, a slightly foolish hero, quite clever and amazing mother of hero, and an all round good time.
Enjoyed this !
Enjoyed this !
June 24, 2024
plot twist w ONE page left
April 29, 2025
Total nonsense. Spent the book waiting for their deception to be exposed. A few not-so-unexpected turns. Funny ending though! Made it worth the read.
November 10, 2020
Very good story. Please see my longer review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/acc...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews