Ungrateful Governess [Paperback]

As a governess, Miss Jessica Moore knew, all too well, the distinction between a wellborn lady and a servant girl. By choice, Jessica Moore dwelled among the lower class. Although her father was the youngest son of a baronet, he died as an impoverished country clergyman. Unmistakably, Jessica Moore knew class distinction, but that knowledge came from her mother's side. Her grandfather was a very wealthy and very influential man. Her grandfather was the Marquess of Heddingly!

Without a doubt Charles, the Earl of Rutherford, was accustomed to getting what he wanted and right now, he wanted the little somber governess. Desperately, he wanted the little creature hiding under the ugly dress and behind the severe hairstyle. Abruptly, the mousy governess refused the Earl of Rutherford's scandalous offer and promptly, her dictatorial employer dismissed her - without recommendation.

Now what? Without a recommendation, Jessica could not work as a governess, nor as a lady's companion, or even as a lady's maid. In fact, even a scullery maid post was now beyond her reach! She had no choice, Jessica Moore must accept the position as mistress to the Earl of Rutherford, but would she?

Definitely, Mary Balogh has the knack for writing around Regency detail. The author firmly takes her reader into this fascinating period and allows the enchantment to flow. However, THE UNGRATEFUL GOVERNESS does read with a blemish. Unfortunately, the heroine's reluctance to accept the hero's offers and proposals grew burdensome. It seemed the beautiful, intelligent, and very obstinate Jessica Moore wanted to live a life based on free will. Yet, in the early part of the nineteenth century, English women did not have such freedom. To build the story successfully, a rejection of once or twice would have been suitable, but after the heroine refused a third and fourth time - well those rejections grew unbelievable.
Grade: B

MaryGrace Meloche.

Jessica is a governess, more of a companion now, to a vain and complacent debutante. Rutherford is a houseguest, misled by his hosts into thinking it would be a much larger house party. He is as annoyed by the presumption that he'll offer for the young lady of the house, as he is intrigued to see if the little grey governess is really a pretty dove under her servant's clothing. She could relieve the tedium of his stay.

Or not! Jessica is offended by the Earl's overtures and repels them, but, caught by her employer alone with the Earl, she is dismissed. The Earl, not knowing his own behavior has ended life as Jessica knows it, decides to leave before his host's complacent assumption that his daughter is about to receive an offer of marriage becomes an unavoidable reality. Encountering Jessica on the road, Rutherford offers her carte blanche.

Okay, now you have to read the book. Believe me, it's very well worth it.

The balance of the book explores the presumptions of the age toward women "servants" and men of quality. It is outrageous that anybody belowstairs is open to an invitation that would send a lady into hysterical offense. Rutherford can't get it through his head that Jessica is still a virtuous woman even though she was tempted by his offer. Where can she go? She is a woman without means, now turned off without a character. Who is going to hire her as a governess or companion without a reference? Does that automatically make her no better than a lightskirt just because her prospects are grim? Well, duh! Only a man would think like that.

Indeed, the ladies in the book are quite interestingly open-minded. Rutherford is often infuriating at the same time he is appealing, a credit to the author. Jessica is never coy, and has some great lines. She doesn't suffer her insults in silence.

Highly recommended. Indeed, Mary Balogh at her worst is better than anybody else except Jane Austin or Georgette Heyer.