Duchess by Design

In a letter from the author, Rodale explains her research and the few changes that she made to incorporate the very real issues of the day pertaining to activism in terms of female empowerment and choices: from snippets of speeches to the very real “Dollar Duchess’ phenomenon, to a society that provided options heretofore unknown to women for their own self-determination. And each of these moments played an important part in this story and in the progression of Adeline on the way to making her dream a reality. Born on the wrong side of ‘acceptable’ yet never actually taking that as her only option, Adeline’s biggest dream is to own a dress shop and design fashion for women that everyone will and can wear. Watching her mother exist through a series of bad marriages because she had no other option, she started working at a dress shop, learning and perfecting her skills and supporting herself. A huge step forward in her experience, as she is able to afford a place to live and has money for food, clothing and isn’t beholden to any man, or forced to forego her own sense of propriety. Due to her employer’s illness, she is sent to a client’s final fitting at the city’s most prominent hotel. Excited to mention (and offer) some of her own suggestions and design ideas that have repeatedly been shot down by her boss. Meeting Harriett Burnett, heiress, could be the move that starts to change everything for her. But first… Brandon, Duke of Kingston is in New York at the suggestion of his cousin/best friend Freddie, a second son and married to an American heiress himself. Inheriting a title with no funds, mountains of debt and a mother who can’t pass up any excuse for new and ‘fashionable’ clothing and accessories and two sisters without dowries- he’s in a tight spot. Never expecting that he would marry for love – he’s willing to forego his own choices and happiness to give his sisters a chance at love, and to keep his mother happy. Landing in New York – the papers are all atwitter with his arrival, and the lobby is crammed with people, guests and not, looking to glimpse the rich and beautiful. A full-body collision with Adeline on the way to her meeting is seared into his brain. Her beauty, her seeming disregard of his title (which never happens in Britain) and the gentle flirtation that, from her side, seems to be a way of ‘appeasing him’ is one he can’t forget. And seeing her enter the suite next to his – he’s certain she’s the women perfect for his duchess. . Oh this was fun – even if the ‘romance’ didn’t always feel particularly real to me. What stood out was the girl power in this story, and Adeline’s ability to make Kingston think – think about his own sheltered life, his lack of understanding of true poverty and the restrictions placed on women – and the damages possible from just whispers of impropriety. Adeline is wholly unimpressed by his ‘title’, she wants the man beneath, and he’s desperate to prove that man worthy. But there is still the matter of money – and his lack of it. Understanding the opportunities (repeatedly explained to him by Adeline) in New York, and more than a bit of risk – he makes moves that will both bring the entailed estates money but allow him the opportunity to reach for love. A wonderful introduction to a new series, with plenty of change and enlightenment for the characters, while including a sense of the changes afoot in society of the day.

I normally read Regency novels so I almost bypassed this Gilded Age novel. I am so glad I didn't. This novel of struggle, for both Adeline and Brandon, leaving tradition and the past behind and facing change of all unknown things was well written. I loved it!

Enjoyable read. Setting in a bustling New York City in the Gilded Age with two characters from contrasting worlds. Includes a sub plot featuring the beginnings of the women's suffrage movement that lends added tension to the story.