More than a Companion

Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/more-than-companion-by-rose-pearson.html

Miss Honora Gregory, daughter of Viscount Greene had been looking forward to her first Season in London.
However, several years of difficulties on his estate, left Lord Greene with no money for a Season.

Honora's aunt, Lady Langdon “kindly” offers to take Honora with her to London, but only as a companion. She is a self centred woman, who seems to take great delight in emphasising to Society that Honora is only a companion.

Honora meets Lord Crampton, who she finds rude, arrogant and prideful. Robert Crampton is a merchant's son, who became an Earl due to being the last surviving male in the family. Unfortunately, his lack of education and previous status have made him anxious about being accepted by the ton. A service to a Duke's family raises his profile but then it seems to go to his head.

Honora has several interactions with Lord Crampton. In her first, she gives him a good set down. As time goes on her blunt honesty gives Robert the push to reflect on his behaviour and try to improve. They each begin to appreciate the other.

Honora's friend, Lady Albina encourages her to ask Lady Langdon for an opportunity to find a husband.
Lady Langdon tells her no one will be interested due to her lack of dowry, but offers her a wager. She gives her one evening, when her status is returned to her. If she can get three gentlemen to dance with her at the ball, Lady Langdon will give her a Season and present her to the Queen.
If she fails, she must continue as her companion and never speak to Robert again!

Robert comes across as an ass, but as he and we gain insight he improves. Even at the end of the book he is definitely still a work in progress

Honora is lovely and smart. Brave enough to take a chance.

Worth a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.