The Bedeviled Duke

by Judith A. Lansdowne

Assisting the disreputable bachelor Duke of Abbercombe, Olivia Willburton-Smythe is shocked when she discovers that the Duke has eight children, until she learns the truth about his past and asks for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0821752960
• ISBN13: 9780821752968
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Zebra
• Length: 318 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Charming and heartwarming story

I first read this a couple of years ago and recently re-read it to sustain me through a rotten bout of flu. I liked it just as much the second time around and here are some comments on it. This author is one of my favourites and I think this particular book is at the top of her list. Briefly, it's the story of a young, thoughtless and somewhat wild marquess who takes the blame when someone else accidentally kills of one of his closest friends. He suffers, you see, from terrible guilt thinking he has caused his friend to become addicted to opium. He must leave the country but, as a friend of the king, he is given a mission to spy for the crown as Europe sinks into war with France. And, a very successful spy he becomes, known as The Rogue. To the surprise of our hero, his arranged marriage evolves into one of deep and abiding love and loyalty and his wife duly presents him with four sets of identical twins. Wonderful characters, these children, who add much to the story. Returning to England after 22 years of exile, now a duke and widowed, he gradually picks up the threads of his life, reacquainting himself with family and friends whilst enduring the opprobrium of those of the ton who don't know the full story. The Duke of Abbercombe has allowed his guilt over the death of his friend to colour much of his life but the greatest triumph in his existence is his eight children and the loving, generous, kind and supportive relationship he has with them. This man is a father amongst fathers, bringing up his family following the death of his beloved wife with patience and love. Miss Oliva Willburton-Smythe, an independent, wealthy woman of 31 meets the duke and, on seeing how patient and kind he is with his twins, decides to support him in his social regeneration. Of course, she eventually falls deeply, madly and passionately in love with him! Then, a nicely handled plot of spies, missing officers, and unhealed old wounds allows everything to come right and for everyone concerned to find a loving partner. A neat and tidy conclusion brings everything together and you know this family will enjoy much happiness and joy in the years to come. I really liked this - a keeper for me - and a jolly fun read with very sympathetic and well drawn characters.

One of her best

I enjoy Judith Lansdowne's regencies because they are funny, light, warm, appealing characters and enjoyable reads. This one was a delight. I loved Abbercrome. What a darling of a man. His children are a delight and reading about Olivia with them is fun. I took this book out of the library to read it and had to buy it in the end. It is a keeper

One of her best

I usually enjoy Judith Lansdowne's regencies because they are funny, light, warm, appealing characters and enjoyable reads. This one was a delight. I loved Abbercrome. What a darling of a man. His children are a delight and reading about Olivia with them is fun. I took this book out of the library to read it and had to buy it in the end. It is a keeper

One of Lansdowne's best

If you like this author this out of print book is worth looking for. Judith Lansdowne creates such likeable characters. This book has some of her best. I very much enjoyed a heroine who was quite content with her "lot" as an on the shelf spinster, until she got involved with the hero, of course. And talk about unusual and humerous heros - this is the first Regency hero I can remember "encumbered" with 8 children. I loved the entire family, they all come alive in this heartwarming story.

the best one yet

An unforgettable book. The characters come alive.Romance, comedy and intrigue all rolled into one great book. This one should be reprinted. It was truely enjoyable reading.