Most Recent Retro Read
Cherry Ripe
by Claudette Williams
ISBN: 0449212793
Published 1988 by Fawcett Crest
Miss Shauna Elton, 21, is informed by her stepmama Lady Elton (of whom she is generally very fond) that her latest escapade, borrowing Lord Melville's stallion and racing it against Sir Peter in her walking clothes in Hyde Park in front of the ton, has put her beyond the pale. Princess Esterhazy has even refused her vouchers for Almack's. The only thing that will fend off a hideous scandal is an immediate marriage. Fortunately Lady Elton has a candidate in hand: Lord Damien Drummond has offered for her. Shauna has never met him but Lady Elton assures her that he is a tremendous catch and will treat her with respect.
Shauna is appalled by the idea of a marriage without love. Before Lord Drummond can make his formal offer, she rides off through London at night, heading for New Forest and the home of her old governess Polly Corbett. En route she is accosted by a group of street toughs and an unknown gentleman rescues her. He takes her to Polly, a few kisses in the coach being his reward.
Alas, Polly cannot keep Shauna because she is going to marry and go on honeymoon. As it happens, a position is open at Bromley Manor teaching two eight year old twins who have run off all their prior governesses. Giving her name as Shauna Corbett, she takes the job, only to find that not only are the Bromley kids half siblings of Lord Drummond, he is the gentleman who rescued her in London, whom she knew only as Damien.
At 138 pages, this romance is very short, very shallow and very slight, with not a single new thought in it. The best I can say for it is that it moves quickly. If you're looking for a half hour no brainer, it qualifies. If, however, you want something with a shred or two of verisimilitude, it's not a good choice. (Posted by Janice 2/3/12)
