The Viscount and the Matchmaker by Kristina Earl

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ostensibly, this is a very good story. Henry is a man stuck in his books and wants to share everything he learns. His mother wants him to court, but his discourse sends most women into hysterics or makes them sick. His favorite discussions are on ancient burial techniques. He hires Sophia to teach him social etiquette. Sophia is considered a bluestocking and her dream is to open a girls school. They agree on an appropriate employer/employee relationship. A connection grows between Sophia and Henry, as she begins to understand him, and he finds someone who finally understands him. It's important for a person to be seen and understood. This is the beginning of love. It sees who we are and understands us. Sophia sees Henry and once seen she cannot un-see. It moves Sophia to try and help Henry even more. The problem is Henry enjoys conversing with Sophia and begins to develop an attachment to her. Through Sophia's understanding, he begins to see Agnes, whom he was supposed to be courting, for who she truly is and to understand her motives. The reality in all of this is because he is a Viscount and she has scandal in her history, she is not eligible to be his wife. This is where the injustice of their situation becomes apparent. because both actually are outcasts from society. Henry because of his academic peculiarities and Sophia for her failed engagement because of her bluestocking ways. Logically, their shared outcast status and academic interests make them a perfect match. In the end, love is all that really matters.