An Accomplished Woman

by: Jude Morgan

Published by: St. Martin's Press

Reviewed by Sharron Stockhausen

When reading a historical novel set in the late eighteenth century, it seems incongruent to think about something as modern as the television show “The Bachelor.” Yet, that’s what happened as I read Morgan’s wonderful novel, An Accomplished Woman.

Lydia Templeton, a thirty-year-old spinster (by her own choice), goes against society conventions when she refuses the marriage proposal of her neighbor and most eligible bachelor, Lewis Durrant. To quote the book, Lydia has a “greedy appetite for things of the mind.” Society’s expectations of women held little interest for her.

On her annual trek to London (from her father’s country manor of Heystead), Lydia dodges her brother’s attempts to find her a husband. She does, however, interact with Durrant’s errant nephew, Hugh Hanley, whose main purpose in life is to remain his uncle’s sole heir.

Upon returning to her aging father’s estate and serving as his hostess, Lydia learns from Durrant that he intends to go to Bath to find a wife—if only to assure a new heir so Hanley doesn’t benefit from Durrant’s death.

Lydia is dealing with her own trip to Bath. Phoebe Rae, Lydia’s godmother’s ward, wants Lydia to accompany Phoebe to Bath because two suitors, both of whom Phoebe claims to love, will be there and Phoebe needs a chaperone—a reminder of “The Bachelor” television show.

I realize the time and characters should bring forth images of Jane Austen’s novels, and I think the author does an excellent job of making that happen. But I still couldn’t get away from modern day television themes of loving more than one person, of ignoring societal expectations, and of expecting money without earning it.

Jude Morgan (pseudonym of Tim Wilson) creates exceptional primary characters. Even the secondary characters are enjoyable in their own way. Some are less likeable than others, but somehow I felt I knew each of them.

Whether you select this book for its likeness to Austen’s writing, for its glimpse into eighteenth century England, for its memorable characters, or for its storyline, you won’t be disappointed. Have a cup of tea and enjoy.

Armchair Interviews agrees.