Sandy M’s review of The Marriage Wager by Candace Camp
Historical romance published 01 Sept 07 by HQN/Harlequin

Constance Woodley is, in essence, a servant to her uncle and aunt since the house she grew up in and the lands her father owned went to his brother upon his death five years ago. Now she is in London to act as chaperone to her two cousins, not for her own coming out she’d missed when her father became ill and she’d had to care for him. She is grateful to her relatives for not turning her out when they moved into her home, but one can only take so much of silly cousins with no fashion sense and dour, lifeless dresses her aunt demands fit Constance’s station in life.
But her whole existence is about to change with one introduction. And one quick flirtation.

Lady Francesca Haughston is the darling of the ton even after her debut in London society a decade ago. She is a widow and now allows the ton to see only the side of her that isn’t is in constant turmoil at having to pay the enormous debts her husband left her with at his death. Her paste jewelry and re-sewn gowns are still fooling everyone at the balls and galas around town. Only her closest friends know her secret. And this night one of those friends, Sinclair, fifth Duke of Rochford, entices Francesca with a wager she knows she will not lose and it will garner her a nice piece of real jewelry to add to her nearly exhausted coffers.

Rochford is aware of Francesca’s success as a matchmaker throughout the ton, and when he chooses a lady from the many at the evening’s ball, his wager is Francesca must change their mark into an enticing young woman who will also be engaged by the end of the season. The duke’s choice is not quite what she anticipated, and when meeting Constance Woodley and getting to know the girl, Francesca knows this is a bet she will surely win. All Constance needs are a few new dresses and accessories, and with the right introductions she will have men filling her dance card in no time at all.

Chatting with Lady Francesca makes Constance quite happy and she enjoys the respite from her family. And it seems she’s made a friend, something one should have in life and something she’s not had for nearly ten long years. Taking her leave of Francesca, Constance opts not to return to her role of chaperone so quickly, and she wanders around the home of her hostess for the evening, ending up envying the collection of books she finds in the library. In a matter of moments Constance gets her second taste of life in one very short night. Viscount Leighton is being heartily pursued by a ton mother, the most feared creatures in London, and it is Constance who saves him from the clutches of marriage-minded mama, as the Viscount labels them. A light flirtation follows and ends with a kiss that is just the beginning of a new life for this soon-to-be former chaperone.

The ensuing shopping sprees, high-society soirees, and callous deceptions turn Lady Francesca’s little bet into a high-stakes game of love and honor. It’s a joy watching Constance grow a backbone and grab onto the chance fate has given her. She makes the most of it, even when she realizes the man she loves can never marry her. The obnoxious aunt and cousins seem to make great villains until they are outmaneuvered by a party no one ever suspects.

I have never read Ms. Camp and found this first journey into her books quite enjoyable. I quite liked the girlfriend aspect between Constance and Francesca, something you don’t see all that often. I was hoping Lady Francesca would have a romance of her own. Maybe that’s for another book?

Grade: A-