Tempting Harriet

Mary Balogh has never met a duke that doesn't love a quizzing glass!

Notes for myself: Mistress Project #3! A project where I read historical romances with mistresses.

I realized I haven’t defined what a mistress is; in my research for titles I came across a Dear Author post that had some really fascinating comments. Some folks brought up what their idea of a mistress is.

my working definitions of mistress in romance:
1. Mistresses that are sex workers: someone in a contracted relationship (either for a specific period of time or until either party wishes to end the contract.) One MC is usually “put up” in a house and given an allowance for decorating the house and for clothing. Some mistresses in this kind of relationship are show more contracted for sex and or companionship (such as attending public functions like the theater, etc.)

Romance has a pretty contentious relationship with sex work and sex workers - I find this interesting (and disappointing, though not at all surprising!) a genre that is happy to proclaim it is feminist or progressive actually has a lot of whorephoboia baked right in. I can't think of anything more regressive or conservative than upholding stigmatization.

2. An agreement between MCs where sex and or companionship is the basis for the relationship. No contract or living arrangements are drawn up or provided. Sometimes referred to as “lovers.”
infidelity dependent upon reader definition of what is or is not cheating. For instance, characters in a loveless marriage and or who have made arrangements with their spouses to live separately is not cheating TO ME an ADULT grown up who recognizes nuance.

Harriet is a 28 year-old widow and former lady’s companion to Clara from the previous book, Dancing with Clara. In that book, Harriet was propositioned by Lord Tenby (35ish?) for “carte blanche” (to become his mistress.) It’s been six years since this proposition (actually there were 2), Harriet has married, had a daughter, and became a widow; Lord Tenby (aka Archibald/Archie) has remained unmarried, but now has come into a Dukedom. His grandma refuses to die until he is married na has a child (specifically a son, of course!) Archie would have offered marriage to Harried all those years ago, because he believed he was in love with her - but his grandfather died and he now had to take on the duties of the Duke. Harriet and Archie are reacquainted at a ball and all the feelings come back to Archie - and Harriet who actually did care for Archie but was afraid of losing her reputation to become his mistress.

Archie wants to ask for Harriet to marry him, since meeting again, he realized that he did love her and loves her still. However, when he means to propose, Harriet misunderstands what he intends to ask her and agrees to be his mistress. Hurt but wanting anything he can get from Harriet, Archie accepts this is they decide to tryst in the house he keeps for his previous mistresses.

Classic Balogh make me wanna pull my hair out complicated hero: Archie’s madonna/whore complex over Harriet was so frustrating and yet! He cries because he not able to tell Harriet I LOVE YOU I WANT YOU I AM SORRY! For me, this was high stakes! He is a Duke she was low born, he can’t use say he’s gonna marry her. His entire family is very clear on what station is acceptable for marriage. Like truly! His grandmother mentions bloodlines owed to heirs and is very concerned with not tainting the aristocratic blood. This was so fucked up to read mostly because Balogh doesn’t have anyone correct grandma - readers have to sit with the reality of the institution of the aristocracy! Which is racist and white supremacist! When he finally gets the courage to tell his family to piss off and propose to Harriet, she misinterprets what a mess!

Also classic Balogh - writing consistent characters! Harriet is a parson’s daughter and does uphold a lot of the ideals inline with her upbringing - for instance, she does feel guilt and shame for sleeping with Archie because it is done so without feelings (or so it appears.) Something that was interesting here is that Archie doesn’t learn about Harriet’s daughter until about 75%. Harriet’s decision to wait to introduce Susan, her daughter, to Archie was smart. Oftentimes, children will get introduced to love interests REALLY early and I’m not sure that’s wise?

So it’s a complicated 4 stars! Mary Balogh knows how to push my buttons! Characters were consistent and her Signet Regency releases remain some of my favorite historical romances. There is a lot of uncomfortable “pure blood” shit here but I don’t believe it is wrong to accurately portray aristos as obsessed with bloodlines and purity because HELLO MCFLY! They still are! Recall Meghan Markle! YMMV on texts depicting this.

Mistress notes:
* Harriet agrees to be his mistress - there is no paid arrangement or contract, the plan is to meet up and have sex a few times a week.

* At one point, Archie corrects Harriet that she is his lover, not his mistress but after this, they both refer to her as mistress again.

Balogh has written several romance novels featuring mistresses - both contracted or a lover. One that comes to mind, but is actually side characters, not the MCs is Longing! Sian’s, the FMC, mother was a mistress. Sian’s dad loved her mother but was unable to make her his wife so she was his mistress. When her mom died, Sian’s father finically provided for her. I wish Balogh had an entire book about the relationship between Sian’s parents because, to me, that is capital R ROMANCE. show less

This book takes place after Dancing with Clara and revolves around Clara's companion, Harriet. Years ago she turned down the chance to become the mistress of the now Duke of Tenby. When they meet again, she misunderstands his offer of marriage and they embark upon an affair. It is not satisfactory to either since they both wish for marriage.
It was nice to see Clara and Freddie and their family again, but I had a hard time warming up to either Harriet or Tenby. Both are not very likable and their behavior reflects their characters. They probably deserve each other.

This book has certain echoes of the future "More than a Mistress" - Tenby thinks he can get her out of his system by making her his mistress - but "More than a Mistress" is sweeter and the relationship between Jane and Jocelyn is more intense than the relationship between Tenby and Harriet. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable book, although not Balogh's best.

The Duke of Tenby (an earlier version of Wulfric Bedwyn)!

Romance

Luchtig en pittig geschreven, mooie karakters, een prettig uitstapje tussen meer serieuze lectuur.