jacey | Booklog 112/2020: Julia Quinn: The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy

Richard Kenworthy has less than a month to find a bride – though we don't know why until quite a way into the novel. He heads for London during the season. At the annual Smythe-Smith musicale he fixes his attention on Iris, gritting her teeth and playing her 'cello through the ordeal of performing in the worst quartet ever to torture willing listeners. Iris, pale skinned and pale haired, is used to being ignored, so when Richard pays her some attention she's flattered but suspicious. Then he proposes after barely a few days, and immediately (before she's even said yes) compromises her so the wedding will have to go ahead, and quickly. She freely admits to herself that she would probably have accepted the proposal, but she's miffed at HAVING to marry – just because of a kiss. Anyhow marry they do. Richard whisks Iris off to his country estate in Yorkshire and proceeds to be charming, but without consummating the marriage. Yes there's a reason. It's pretty bonkers and Iris eventually solves the problem. No spoilers. This does fit into the Smythe-Smith quartet, but the first three were woven in and around each other and this one is tagged on to the end and is pretty much a standalone. It's a light, fast read and up to Julia Quinn's usual standard.