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Una deuda con Delia
En el fragor de una batalla durante la guerra contra Napo-león, el mayor lord Tyverne resulta herido y atrapado tras la línea enemiga. Entonces un camarada casaca roja llega en su ayuda y le insiste para que escape hacia un lugar seguro. Más adelante y horrorizado al conocer la muerte de su salvador, Ty jura vivir para poder cumplir con el reto que le lanzó el joven soldado al despedirse: salvar la vida de otra persona.
Para pagar la deuda de honor, Ty ofrece su mano en ma-trimonio a la hermana del muerto. Ciertamente, Delia Croft está necesitada de ayuda, ya que la suma que percibe de su primo apenas es suficiente para suministrar vestido y comida para ella y las personas a su cargo. Pero Delia anhela una unión basada en el amor, no en la obligación, una unión en la que puede que el atractivo oficial ni siquiera crea….
Para pagar la deuda de honor, Ty ofrece su mano en ma-trimonio a la hermana del muerto. Ciertamente, Delia Croft está necesitada de ayuda, ya que la suma que percibe de su primo apenas es suficiente para suministrar vestido y comida para ella y las personas a su cargo. Pero Delia anhela una unión basada en el amor, no en la obligación, una unión en la que puede que el atractivo oficial ni siquiera crea….
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
About the author
Barbara Metzger
105 books202 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 21, 2017
This is rather dull, the usual Metzger wit and pun was missing.
January 9, 2019
3.5 stars
March 2, 2012
Barbara Metzger's novels are almost always a fun, light, entertaining read, and A Debt To Delia does not disappoint. As usual there are misunderstandings, crossed wires of communication, evil villains, unscrupulous greedy relatives, dithering aunts, bumbling servants and absolutely no sex scenes. Still a HEA is achieved between two very likeable and worthy characters and a good time is had by readers that enjoy Metzgers writing style.
December 26, 2016
Metzger writes entertainingly, but this story had so many exaggerated circumstances that even Metzger's style wasn't able to rescue it for me.
June 29, 2017
At first I didn't agree with the review (I forget if it was from Booklist, PW, or LJ) I read that said this story was darker than Metzger's others; she has other novels that feature wounded, weary soldiers and desperate, disillusioned females.
But now that I've finished the novel, I admit that this story is much darker than any other Metzger novel I've read thusfar. It is unusual in that one of the heroes and heroines must die in order for the other to survive--a tragedy not typically found in a Regency romance.
There is no happy ending for Delia's young pregnant friend whose father forbade marriage to her true love because he (George) is deemed unworthy, not of a high-enough class--a harsh reminder to the reader that marriages were viewed then primarily in terms of money or power, love be damned. So George goes to war to prove his worthiness. He shows true heroism by giving the gravely wounded Ty his horse and bravely holding off the French to allow his comrade-in-arms to escape. The odds are against George, and he is killed--a reality check and reminder to the reader that Ty is not the only hero in the story.
Ty recognizes that he owes his life to the unknown fellow officer and vows to repay him by marrying George's fiancée in England. His sense of honor demands that he also sacrifice his life in some way to compensate George for his ultimate sacrifice. Before that can happen, however, he must make it back to England alive--which is dicey given the severity of his wounds. He can barely ride, let alone walk, but makes it back to England by sheer force of will.
Ty finally meets the young woman he thinks is George's fiancée--but she's not. This classic case of mistaken identity provides welcome comic relief for a moment. But we learn soon enough that Delia is no stranger to sacrifice, either, and has troubles of her own in the form of grasping relatives. Metzger provides a number of other quintessential Regency novel characters, such as "dirty-dish" villains.
The story offers a cornucopia of comedic moments to counteract the darker scenes, and Metzger interweaves the two flawlessly. I find her comedic timing and dry sense of humor unsurpassed.
There is her trademark dog (hilariously named Angelina); then there is the horse named Diablo who is a league of his own. This "spawn of Satan" will allow no one on his back but Ty, and even then requires a bribe, a specific type of candy found only in an expensive shop. Diablo has a penchant for eating hats, too, so there are more than a few scenes with him being chased, in vain, by an inept human. Time and again, Diablo shows humans that he rules the roost--or stable, as it were.
In the end, Diablo saves the day--as does Delia, by remembering that Diablo responds to a loud whistle. The view of the gigantic horse galloping toward the cowardly villains so terrifies them that it gives the hero and heroine a chance to put them out of commission once and for all.
Any brighter moments come at a cost, however. It's easy to see why "A Debt to Delia" won the RITA Award for Best Regency in 2003; it is a multilayered story with memorable characters and storyline, masterfully written by an artist who can weave darkness and light together seamlessly. This novel really is one of Metzger's best.
Ty agrees to a hastily-arranged wedding in order to give a dying, pregnant woman a chance to be buried inside the church graveyard, and to legitimize her baby's birth. When she dies, the witnesses realize that they could rescue the baby by Caesarian section--if anyone is willing to hold the knife. It is a last-moment, frantic decision made by people in an impossible situation. None had any medical experience, so once again, Ty offers to take the risk. Definitely not something you find in a typical Regency romance. It is a sobering reminder of how much more fragile life was then without our modern medicine. In this scene, Metzger's characters could not appear more human.
This is no frothy, "hey-go-mad" Regency romance, but hero and heroine feel like real people. They are finally rewarded for their sacrifices by finding true love. Just one final hurdle: Mustering the courage to admit love for the other. A happy ending after all, for a darker-than-average Regency romance.
But now that I've finished the novel, I admit that this story is much darker than any other Metzger novel I've read thusfar. It is unusual in that one of the heroes and heroines must die in order for the other to survive--a tragedy not typically found in a Regency romance.
There is no happy ending for Delia's young pregnant friend whose father forbade marriage to her true love because he (George) is deemed unworthy, not of a high-enough class--a harsh reminder to the reader that marriages were viewed then primarily in terms of money or power, love be damned. So George goes to war to prove his worthiness. He shows true heroism by giving the gravely wounded Ty his horse and bravely holding off the French to allow his comrade-in-arms to escape. The odds are against George, and he is killed--a reality check and reminder to the reader that Ty is not the only hero in the story.
Ty recognizes that he owes his life to the unknown fellow officer and vows to repay him by marrying George's fiancée in England. His sense of honor demands that he also sacrifice his life in some way to compensate George for his ultimate sacrifice. Before that can happen, however, he must make it back to England alive--which is dicey given the severity of his wounds. He can barely ride, let alone walk, but makes it back to England by sheer force of will.
Ty finally meets the young woman he thinks is George's fiancée--but she's not. This classic case of mistaken identity provides welcome comic relief for a moment. But we learn soon enough that Delia is no stranger to sacrifice, either, and has troubles of her own in the form of grasping relatives. Metzger provides a number of other quintessential Regency novel characters, such as "dirty-dish" villains.
The story offers a cornucopia of comedic moments to counteract the darker scenes, and Metzger interweaves the two flawlessly. I find her comedic timing and dry sense of humor unsurpassed.
There is her trademark dog (hilariously named Angelina); then there is the horse named Diablo who is a league of his own. This "spawn of Satan" will allow no one on his back but Ty, and even then requires a bribe, a specific type of candy found only in an expensive shop. Diablo has a penchant for eating hats, too, so there are more than a few scenes with him being chased, in vain, by an inept human. Time and again, Diablo shows humans that he rules the roost--or stable, as it were.
In the end, Diablo saves the day--as does Delia, by remembering that Diablo responds to a loud whistle. The view of the gigantic horse galloping toward the cowardly villains so terrifies them that it gives the hero and heroine a chance to put them out of commission once and for all.
Any brighter moments come at a cost, however. It's easy to see why "A Debt to Delia" won the RITA Award for Best Regency in 2003; it is a multilayered story with memorable characters and storyline, masterfully written by an artist who can weave darkness and light together seamlessly. This novel really is one of Metzger's best.
Ty agrees to a hastily-arranged wedding in order to give a dying, pregnant woman a chance to be buried inside the church graveyard, and to legitimize her baby's birth. When she dies, the witnesses realize that they could rescue the baby by Caesarian section--if anyone is willing to hold the knife. It is a last-moment, frantic decision made by people in an impossible situation. None had any medical experience, so once again, Ty offers to take the risk. Definitely not something you find in a typical Regency romance. It is a sobering reminder of how much more fragile life was then without our modern medicine. In this scene, Metzger's characters could not appear more human.
This is no frothy, "hey-go-mad" Regency romance, but hero and heroine feel like real people. They are finally rewarded for their sacrifices by finding true love. Just one final hurdle: Mustering the courage to admit love for the other. A happy ending after all, for a darker-than-average Regency romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2018
No, está claro que esta novela no era para mí. Un personaje femenino que me ha dejado fría, a la que no he llegado a comprender. Un personaje masculino hiperhierático, que sólo piensa en el honor. Pero no sólo son los protagonistas los que me han dado problemas: personajes con nombre que aparecen y no sabes de dónde, otros que sólo se nombran para liar la marrana, porque en la historia ni pinchan ni cortan...
Primera novela de esta autora que leo y creo que será la última.
Plus para el reto "Rita la cantaora", ya que aunque no aparece en la lista, si ganó el premio RITA al mejor romance de Regencia en 2003
Primera novela de esta autora que leo y creo que será la última.
Plus para el reto "Rita la cantaora", ya que aunque no aparece en la lista, si ganó el premio RITA al mejor romance de Regencia en 2003
July 5, 2018
Lord Major Tyverne is about to be killed in battle. He is rescued by Lt. George Croft. Not only does Croft come to his rescue but he gives Ty his horse. George asks that Ty save someone, next time.
Because of the horse, the life Ty saves, may be his own.
When Ty is recovered enough to return to England, he goes to Croft's home to rescue George's sister, Dilly, from a terrible situation.
But, things are not as Ty thought. Delia (Dilly) has burdens, but they are not exactly the burdens Ty imagines.
There are servants who are too old to find other work. There is an unmarried pregnant woman who is very ill. There are cousins who want the house and to marry Delia off to an old man. There is very little money.
And there is a great amount of laughter.
Ms Metzger is a master at creating stories populated by people who are wonderful.
Ty and Dilly are two of the most honorable characters in any Regency story. He has lived his life by always doing the right thing and leading by example. Dilly has managed and made do and taken in people who need her help.
There are many secondary characters and each of them are important to the story. Ty's brother and his fiancee, Ty's sister the Duchess, Ty's father the Earl and several of his friends all arrive when needed or even when not needed. Dilly's cousins keep popping in and out. And there are some vicious villains who appear.
The plot is fast moving and keeps the reader involved from beginning to end.
I love Ms Metzger's writing. I am a fan. This book is a fine example of why I love her writing.
A fun read from first page to last.
Because of the horse, the life Ty saves, may be his own.
When Ty is recovered enough to return to England, he goes to Croft's home to rescue George's sister, Dilly, from a terrible situation.
But, things are not as Ty thought. Delia (Dilly) has burdens, but they are not exactly the burdens Ty imagines.
There are servants who are too old to find other work. There is an unmarried pregnant woman who is very ill. There are cousins who want the house and to marry Delia off to an old man. There is very little money.
And there is a great amount of laughter.
Ms Metzger is a master at creating stories populated by people who are wonderful.
Ty and Dilly are two of the most honorable characters in any Regency story. He has lived his life by always doing the right thing and leading by example. Dilly has managed and made do and taken in people who need her help.
There are many secondary characters and each of them are important to the story. Ty's brother and his fiancee, Ty's sister the Duchess, Ty's father the Earl and several of his friends all arrive when needed or even when not needed. Dilly's cousins keep popping in and out. And there are some vicious villains who appear.
The plot is fast moving and keeps the reader involved from beginning to end.
I love Ms Metzger's writing. I am a fan. This book is a fine example of why I love her writing.
A fun read from first page to last.
Read
October 23, 2024At 51% and just... wtf did I just read?!
Almost immediately after marrying a dying, comatose pregnant woman he does not know, the MMC is then faced with the decision to literally cut her baby from her still-living body as she commences to die faster.
Meanwhile, he's falling for her friend and almost-but-not-quite- sister in law, the one he mistakenly came to the house to marry, thinking SHE was the one who was unmarried and pregnant and needing help. The wedding ceremony was grotesque and bizarre, with people trying to figure out who or if anyone can speak for the dying woman, who is pregnant by the FMC's brother who died in battle after saving MMC'S life. She is barely conscious and he literally holds her mouth closed so she can't say the brother's (her dead fiancee's) name.
What is even going on here? Who TF would do this?! And then like 10 minutes later when she starts dying for real, they're about to cut the baby out of her while she's still alive and potentially conscious to some degree?!! What?!
Like just... I can't even with this one. I'mma see how the baby cutting turns out then DNF.
Almost immediately after marrying a dying, comatose pregnant woman he does not know, the MMC is then faced with the decision to literally cut her baby from her still-living body as she commences to die faster.
Meanwhile, he's falling for her friend and almost-but-not-quite- sister in law, the one he mistakenly came to the house to marry, thinking SHE was the one who was unmarried and pregnant and needing help. The wedding ceremony was grotesque and bizarre, with people trying to figure out who or if anyone can speak for the dying woman, who is pregnant by the FMC's brother who died in battle after saving MMC'S life. She is barely conscious and he literally holds her mouth closed so she can't say the brother's (her dead fiancee's) name.
What is even going on here? Who TF would do this?! And then like 10 minutes later when she starts dying for real, they're about to cut the baby out of her while she's still alive and potentially conscious to some degree?!! What?!
Like just... I can't even with this one. I'mma see how the baby cutting turns out then DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2020
It had funny moments. It is generally a clean novel, BUT there are some immoral issues as mistresses, cursing, extramarital relations and children, prostitution, etc. Delia was annoying at the beginning with her insistence on staying single, despite her bleak prospects - I don't know how realistic this would be in that time period. Ty was heroic, I like these kinds of male leads, though it was a total mystery how he fell in love - maybe by seeing Delia's backbone and no-nonsense ways. Anyway he was endearing with his inability to express himself and his feelings in front of a woman. Overall a good passing of time.
Religion: inessential
Narrative: 3rd person following different characters, but mostly Ty and Delia
Sensuality: overall clean, but open talk of extramarital relations, mentioning of arousal
Religion: inessential
Narrative: 3rd person following different characters, but mostly Ty and Delia
Sensuality: overall clean, but open talk of extramarital relations, mentioning of arousal
April 2, 2023
Clean Regency Romance
What a zinger of a book. Worth each one of the 5 stars and more besides. It has all one could want in a romance - heroic characters, devilish and delightful animals, difficult situations handled with dignity, spades full of honourable actions, buckets full of ridiculous to dos, humour and pathos. Ms. Metzger's turn of phrase, her exceedingly witty descriptions and well drawn personalities make this a book to read again and again. If there ever was a pair that deserved their HEA it's Dilly and Ty. And that description of George when he meets Ty ...so beautiful, so heartrending.
I laughed a lot and shed a few tears along the way.
This is a book I recommend to every lover of romance provided it's not heaving bosoms and bodice ripping one's looking for.
What a zinger of a book. Worth each one of the 5 stars and more besides. It has all one could want in a romance - heroic characters, devilish and delightful animals, difficult situations handled with dignity, spades full of honourable actions, buckets full of ridiculous to dos, humour and pathos. Ms. Metzger's turn of phrase, her exceedingly witty descriptions and well drawn personalities make this a book to read again and again. If there ever was a pair that deserved their HEA it's Dilly and Ty. And that description of George when he meets Ty ...so beautiful, so heartrending.
I laughed a lot and shed a few tears along the way.
This is a book I recommend to every lover of romance provided it's not heaving bosoms and bodice ripping one's looking for.
February 26, 2022
One of my favorite authors
Though a bit tangled in the middle, the story never loses sight of it's ultimate goal, of honorably and lovingly tidying up lives that pride, heedlessness, and vicissitudes of life have snarled. Even some of the villains get their chance to step up and earn their own redemption through trying to be better. Add in the Hero who learns to hold Love-of family, dependants and himself-above Honor (or at least folds it into his new understanding of honor), a heroine who tries her best but won't accept less than love, a maniacal horse, fluffy white dog and beautiful preemie and you have a solid good read
Though a bit tangled in the middle, the story never loses sight of it's ultimate goal, of honorably and lovingly tidying up lives that pride, heedlessness, and vicissitudes of life have snarled. Even some of the villains get their chance to step up and earn their own redemption through trying to be better. Add in the Hero who learns to hold Love-of family, dependants and himself-above Honor (or at least folds it into his new understanding of honor), a heroine who tries her best but won't accept less than love, a maniacal horse, fluffy white dog and beautiful preemie and you have a solid good read
December 15, 2020
What an underrated book. After Miss Lockharte's Letters and A Loyal Companion which were such good reads, I was afraid this would not live up to expectations. But Lud, A Debt To Delia deserves more recognition, really.
I wonder why Barbara Metzger seems unpopular among book lovers for she possessed a brilliant writing style, created loveable characters and hilarious plots for her works. I had to dig a lot to come across her, you know.
I wonder why Barbara Metzger seems unpopular among book lovers for she possessed a brilliant writing style, created loveable characters and hilarious plots for her works. I had to dig a lot to come across her, you know.
November 12, 2022
Another of Metzger’s stellar stories (hers are not all winners but many are). I loved the premise, our protagonists, the hilarious cast of characters and hijinks that constantly pushed the plot forward, and especially the humorous though somewhat abrupt ending. It was just the story I needed this week.
December 6, 2023
Delightful
Another great tale from Barbara Metzger, with easily relatable characters ranging from heroic to dastardly, from kindly to cruel.
Evenly paced, although lost a star as it was a little bogged down in places. Laced with heartbreak and humour all the way through, this romance was engaging and entertaining.
Highly recommended
Another great tale from Barbara Metzger, with easily relatable characters ranging from heroic to dastardly, from kindly to cruel.
Evenly paced, although lost a star as it was a little bogged down in places. Laced with heartbreak and humour all the way through, this romance was engaging and entertaining.
Highly recommended
September 14, 2018
The story was intriguing with the idea of honor requiring a life to be saved. The characters were so proud and stubborn but I got a happy ending so it worked out.
Violence, no sex, swearing. Themes of war and death in childbirth
Violence, no sex, swearing. Themes of war and death in childbirth
November 7, 2018
Se ci si vuole rilassare, Barbara Metger è la scrittrice giusta. Anche questo suo romanzo è divertente, gradevole... fino agli ultimi capitoli, spesi, in modo poco convincente, per la redenzione di tutti i possibile 'cattivi' della storia.
June 19, 2020
Charming old school craziness - I think the only thing missing from the plot bingo is amnesia, but there is everything else. Rollicking fun, from the hat-eating horse to the girl who wears breeches to the evil relatives, secret baby, multiple rushed marriages, plot muffins, etc.
September 4, 2021
Good
This book was a good clean read. The characters were well developed and their relationship was believable. I would recommend this to people who enjoy clean romances with thoughtful characters.
This book was a good clean read. The characters were well developed and their relationship was believable. I would recommend this to people who enjoy clean romances with thoughtful characters.
February 15, 2024
A Debt to Delia a Gift from Barbara Metzgar!
A very lively and well told tale! It has just about everything in that makes a great story especially characters that you care about and an interesting plot and a lovely happy ending ❤️!
A very lively and well told tale! It has just about everything in that makes a great story especially characters that you care about and an interesting plot and a lovely happy ending ❤️!
October 29, 2017
4.5 stars
This one was very good. Will be reading more Barbara Metzger.
This one was very good. Will be reading more Barbara Metzger.
May 18, 2018
La leí en el 2011. Y el mayor lord Tyverne me pareció un personaje muy noble.
August 29, 2019
Predecible
March 20, 2021
Creo que este no es un libro para tomarse muy enserio, la historia es sencilla pero muy divertida, es una lectura rápida y entretenida.
February 22, 2022
H proposes on a first meeting to h, marries someone else, and becomes a father and widow almost all in one day! Very enjoyable read. A keeper!
September 20, 2022
I love Barbara Metzger's books. I look forward to reading another of her books.
December 6, 2025
The plot has some grim twists but written in a way that you don't really care.
February 8, 2014
Lying wounded on the battlefield, Major Lord Tyverne is certain that his life is over, until a dashing young soldier on a large, white horse rescues Ty from certain death. After fighting for his life on the battlefield, Ty then has to fight to keep his wounded arm and the subsequent infection from poor medical treatment. When he recovers, he is shocked to learn the the young soldier who saved his life was killed in battle. Ty promised the young man he'd return the favor and save someone else's life, but he isn't quite sure how to go about doing that until he reads the young man's private correspondence. Known as Lieutenant George Croft on the battlefield, he was a young baronet with a sister who is obviously in trouble (or, Ty believes, In Trouble). Ty takes it upon himself to inherit the young Lieutenant's family problems, in addition to inheriting the angry tempered horse that saved his life. After a long, and difficult ride, Ty arrives at Faircroft and proposes marriage to George's sister, Delia. Believing that Ty is a drunken stranger, Celia angrily refuses his proposal, until she realizes that the man is dangerously ill. Celia brings Ty into her home to care for, along with other other dependents. When she learns Ty's reason for coming, she refuses his marriage proposal. She will marry for love or not at all, even though she's desperate for a way to support herself and her dependents. She also faces a threat from her cousin, who has inherited George's title and lands. Cousin Clarence wishes to marry Delia off to an old reprobate so he can be rid of her and claim his inheritance. Delia stands her ground and is determined to not give in. As he gets to know Delia, Ty realizes what a confident and intelligent woman she is, though she persists in thinking he's an arrogant idiot. After some misunderstandings about the nature of Delia's trouble and her reasons for demanding her brother return home immediately, Ty is faced with a dilemma: whether to do the right thing or turn his back on the people who have been kind to him. The decision isn't easy and it helps him better understand his own feelings and make plans for not only his future, but Delia's as well. He also tries to sort out his wayward younger brother and wrestles with his feelings towards his overbearing father while Delia worries about her future and the futures of those she loves. The two must overcome numerous issues, including stubbornness and pride to learn where their hearts lie.
This book is a departure from Metzger's light, comedy of manners plots; it's more somber and serious in tone, though there are moments where her flair for humor show through. I found the story a little too long and complicated to really interest me. It starts off really slow and doesn't pick up until about the halfway point and even then, it continues on at a slower pace than her other novels. Delia is a very modern heroine and very sensible. She can cope with anything that comes her way and keeps her head in a crisis. I greatly admire Delia and I would hope that I would have the courage she did faced with such difficulties. Ty is a little bland for a hero. He's almost too good. He's handsome, wealthy and honorable, all excellent qualities for a flesh and blood person, but make for a lackluster plot. Ty and Delia also lacked the chemistry that makes Lizzie and Darcy so memorable. It seems like Metzger wanted to try something different but didn't quite know how to make it work. If you're not a fan of drawing room comedies than you might want to try this one, for it wasn't bad, despite my feelings.
This book is a departure from Metzger's light, comedy of manners plots; it's more somber and serious in tone, though there are moments where her flair for humor show through. I found the story a little too long and complicated to really interest me. It starts off really slow and doesn't pick up until about the halfway point and even then, it continues on at a slower pace than her other novels. Delia is a very modern heroine and very sensible. She can cope with anything that comes her way and keeps her head in a crisis. I greatly admire Delia and I would hope that I would have the courage she did faced with such difficulties. Ty is a little bland for a hero. He's almost too good. He's handsome, wealthy and honorable, all excellent qualities for a flesh and blood person, but make for a lackluster plot. Ty and Delia also lacked the chemistry that makes Lizzie and Darcy so memorable. It seems like Metzger wanted to try something different but didn't quite know how to make it work. If you're not a fan of drawing room comedies than you might want to try this one, for it wasn't bad, despite my feelings.
June 14, 2019
This story is about a wonderful man who feels a sense of obligation to the family of George Croft (George valiantly saved Major Lord Tyverne's life -- at the cost of his own, while fighting the French).
After recovering from his injuries, Ty heads to Faircroft House. He has read George's sister's letters and sees that there are things that he can do to help the family. First, he can marry George's sister (who is in a family way) and help ease the financial worries of the family. Things were not as Ty expected; Delia turns down his offer of marriage immediately. She is forthright in stating that she wants a marriage based on love, not obligation or gratitude.
Shocked by Delia's attitude, Ty is never the less taken with Delia's strength of character and attractive person and personality. Never having considered marriage before, Ty realizes that his offer was probably too crudely stated for such a gentlewoman. He wonders what he can do to change things.
Both the hero and heroine are people to admire. However, this story really belongs to Ty. Major Lord Tyverne is that rarest of men -- someone dedicated to doing the right thing in all he does. He does not take his military rank or aristocratic standing seriously; he strives to serve and assist others.
Many of Barbara Metzger's books are funny and light-hearted. This one has a bit more serious tone; I enjoyed it a great deal.
After recovering from his injuries, Ty heads to Faircroft House. He has read George's sister's letters and sees that there are things that he can do to help the family. First, he can marry George's sister (who is in a family way) and help ease the financial worries of the family. Things were not as Ty expected; Delia turns down his offer of marriage immediately. She is forthright in stating that she wants a marriage based on love, not obligation or gratitude.
Shocked by Delia's attitude, Ty is never the less taken with Delia's strength of character and attractive person and personality. Never having considered marriage before, Ty realizes that his offer was probably too crudely stated for such a gentlewoman. He wonders what he can do to change things.
Both the hero and heroine are people to admire. However, this story really belongs to Ty. Major Lord Tyverne is that rarest of men -- someone dedicated to doing the right thing in all he does. He does not take his military rank or aristocratic standing seriously; he strives to serve and assist others.
Many of Barbara Metzger's books are funny and light-hearted. This one has a bit more serious tone; I enjoyed it a great deal.
October 5, 2023
In the heat of a battle in the war against Napoleon, Major Lord Tyverne is wounded and trapped behind enemy lines. A fellow redcoat comes to Ty’s aid and insists the peer ride his horse to safety. Later, horrified to learn of his rescuer's death, Ty vows to live up to the brash young soldier’s parting challenge to save someone else’s life.
To repay the debt of honor, Ty offers his hand in marriage to the dead man's sister. And Delia Croft is certainly in need of help. For the retainer her cousin provides is barely enough to keep her and her dependents clothed and fed. But Delia longs for a union of love, not obligation—a union that the handsome officer may not even believe in…
The story starts off right in the aftermath of a battle, Lord Tyverne; Ty, has almost lost his life when he is rescued by George Croft. I instantly liked George, and for some reason I was so heartbroken that he died. He was so kind and good. His death really made me think of countless other useless deaths of young men in war.
So Ty rides hell for leather, literally, on a horse named Diablo. He has a debt to pay, and he will pay it. This story has so many twists and turns; one never quite expects them.
The hero was as honorable a hero as you are ever likely to get; and the heroine was firm.
I should probably mention that I am not one of those women who wants a man to ride in and rescue her from a life of drudgery, definitely not. The only Person who can rescue me is Jesus. But that's for another day. What I mean is though I don't particularly want rescue, I would be smart enough to accept it. Delia did not accept his lordship's proposal even though it was very obvious she needed it!
I don't like that.
It is not realistic, especially thinking of her situation at the time; Regency England was not exactly kind to women.
But, stories are not meant to be realistic, so I forgive Barbara Metzger.
I still love it, nonetheless.
To repay the debt of honor, Ty offers his hand in marriage to the dead man's sister. And Delia Croft is certainly in need of help. For the retainer her cousin provides is barely enough to keep her and her dependents clothed and fed. But Delia longs for a union of love, not obligation—a union that the handsome officer may not even believe in…
The story starts off right in the aftermath of a battle, Lord Tyverne; Ty, has almost lost his life when he is rescued by George Croft. I instantly liked George, and for some reason I was so heartbroken that he died. He was so kind and good. His death really made me think of countless other useless deaths of young men in war.
So Ty rides hell for leather, literally, on a horse named Diablo. He has a debt to pay, and he will pay it. This story has so many twists and turns; one never quite expects them.
The hero was as honorable a hero as you are ever likely to get; and the heroine was firm.
I should probably mention that I am not one of those women who wants a man to ride in and rescue her from a life of drudgery, definitely not. The only Person who can rescue me is Jesus. But that's for another day. What I mean is though I don't particularly want rescue, I would be smart enough to accept it. Delia did not accept his lordship's proposal even though it was very obvious she needed it!
I don't like that.
It is not realistic, especially thinking of her situation at the time; Regency England was not exactly kind to women.
But, stories are not meant to be realistic, so I forgive Barbara Metzger.
I still love it, nonetheless.
August 7, 2013
Author: Barbara Metzger
First published: 2002
Length: 2656 kindle locations
Setting: Regency, Kent and battlefield near Portugal.
Sex: Clean - a light kiss or two. However, a pre-wedding pregnancy of background characters is an important plot thread.
Hero: Wounded in battle but doesn't really effect him.
Heroine: Losing her reputation through no fault of her own.
A light, entertaining Regency but so much of the story seems to happen around the heroine - the drama is not hers, but her dependents. And there is so much story. So much happens. So many people drawn into the tales of woe. But without Delia really participating. I found myself in an emotional disconnect. I had no real understanding of whom or what Delia was, and no real care for her HEA. I lost the romance of the genre and the relationship development between Delia and Ty. When were they to get to know each other in this rather full house of drama?
It lost me.
And I was overall disappointed.
-CR-
First published: 2002
Length: 2656 kindle locations
Setting: Regency, Kent and battlefield near Portugal.
Sex: Clean - a light kiss or two. However, a pre-wedding pregnancy of background characters is an important plot thread.
Hero: Wounded in battle but doesn't really effect him.
Heroine: Losing her reputation through no fault of her own.
A light, entertaining Regency but so much of the story seems to happen around the heroine - the drama is not hers, but her dependents. And there is so much story. So much happens. So many people drawn into the tales of woe. But without Delia really participating. I found myself in an emotional disconnect. I had no real understanding of whom or what Delia was, and no real care for her HEA. I lost the romance of the genre and the relationship development between Delia and Ty. When were they to get to know each other in this rather full house of drama?
It lost me.
And I was overall disappointed.
-CR-
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