Poor Relation Series by Marion Chesney, M.C. Beaton

An impoverished widow opens a hotel serving the society she has fallen from in this regency romance featuring characters who “leap off the pages” (Publishers Weekly).   After her husband’s death, Lady Fortescue knows she must work, even though the thought will appal her society relatives. So she decides to transform her once-grand Bond Street home into a hotel, the Poor Relation, offering society guests the pleasure of being waited upon by nobility... moreAn impoverished widow opens a hotel serving the society she has fallen from in this regency romance featuring characters who “leap off the pages” (Publishers Weekly).   After her husband’s death, Lady Fortescue knows she must work, even though the thought will appal her society relatives. So she decides to transform her once-grand Bond Street home into a hotel, the Poor Relation, offering society guests the pleasure of being waited upon by nobility.   With the help of other down-and-out aristocrats, London’s newest, most fashionable hotel is born. And it is the perfect venue for Lady Fortescue to play with the love lives of her guests and staff, starting with her nephew, the dashing Duke of Rowcester. Lady Fortescue has it on good authority that the duke once shared a dance with darling Harriet James, the hotel cook. When the duke comes to London, Lady Fortescue orchestrates a reunion that is sure to scandalize the ton . . .  New York Times bestseller M.C. Beaton, the pen name for regency author Marian Chesney, “expertly sets the scene, recapturing the bawdiness and color of a long-ago time. . . . Hilarious and tragic; larceny, attempted murder, a satisfactory love affair and unlikely alliances make the hotel the liveliest spot in London” (Publishers Weekly).   “A charming and humorous Regency.” —Library Journal   “A solid cast of eccentrics.” —Booklist less

From the New York Times–bestselling author: When a hotel designed to keep destitute nobility afloat burns down, a spinster commits a daring heist.   The Poor Relation is a London hotel owned and run by high society’s down and out. When it burns to the ground, the genteel paupers who work there hatch a plan to save their golden goose. Enter Lady Tonks, a spinster about to shed her meek and mousy image by posing as a highwayman to rob her wealthy sister’s coach... moreFrom the New York Times–bestselling author: When a hotel designed to keep destitute nobility afloat burns down, a spinster commits a daring heist.   The Poor Relation is a London hotel owned and run by high society’s down and out. When it burns to the ground, the genteel paupers who work there hatch a plan to save their golden goose. Enter Lady Tonks, a spinster about to shed her meek and mousy image by posing as a highwayman to rob her wealthy sister’s coach. But when Miss Tonks mistakenly stops the carriage of the dashing Lord Eston, she not only gains an accomplice to her crime, but an irresistible suitor for her debutante niece. That is, if the bumbling Miss Tonks actually succeeds in saving her and her friends from ruin. As it turns out, Miss Tonks has more than a few tricks up her sleeve . . .   “Combines zany characters with lighthearted romance and a well-developed scenario to produce an engaging Regency.” —Library Journal less

An aristocratic widow turns to crime—and discovers love—in a romance “notable for its gentle humor and adventurous spirit” from a New York Times bestseller (Publishers Weekly).   The Poor Relation, a hotel run by impoverished aristocrats, is in need of money to survive... moreAn aristocratic widow turns to crime—and discovers love—in a romance “notable for its gentle humor and adventurous spirit” from a New York Times bestseller (Publishers Weekly).   The Poor Relation, a hotel run by impoverished aristocrats, is in need of money to survive. Widow Eliza Budley wants to help save her new home, but with her fortune lost due to her deceased husband’s gambling debts, how can she? With no rich relative to go to, Eliza calls on the senile, elderly Marquess of Peterhouse, and pretends to be a relation while she steals just enough of his worldly goods to fund the hotel. But when she arrives at his bleak castle, she learns the Marquess is deceased, leaving his handsome nephew in charge of the estate. Once the dashing heir learns of her devious plot, can he get past her criminal leanings long enough to fall in love with her? less

With “spirited characters,” a New York Times bestseller blends the tales of a besotted elderly nobleman and a debutante whose mother refuses her a season (Library Journal).   Sir Philip has fallen in love. But has the old man lost his mind? His colleagues at the popular hotel, the Poor Relation, have to wonder. The smitten nobleman has installed his paramour at the hotel—and he’s the only one who doesn’t seem to notice that Mrs... moreWith “spirited characters,” a New York Times bestseller blends the tales of a besotted elderly nobleman and a debutante whose mother refuses her a season (Library Journal).   Sir Philip has fallen in love. But has the old man lost his mind? His colleagues at the popular hotel, the Poor Relation, have to wonder. The smitten nobleman has installed his paramour at the hotel—and he’s the only one who doesn’t seem to notice that Mrs. Budge is a vulgar, grasping leech who just might eat them out of whatever profits the hotel is finally making. How do they get rid of Mrs. Budge while also carrying on the hotel’s matchmaking tradition?   Meanwhile, the London Season in full swing, and a sweet debutante guest is being kept from coming out by her scheming widowed mother, who hopes to land a new husband herself! It’s up to the eccentric cast of the Poor Relation to free the darling girl from her dastardly mother long enough to marry her off, all while opening Sir Philip’s eyes to the truth about his beloved. Fortunately, the founders of the Poor Relation are masters of romance—doomed and otherwise . . . less

Colonel Sandhurst 70s, an owner of popular Poor Relations Hotel, fears calling in debt owed by Sir Randolph Gray. Sandhurst offers Gray daughter, fetching Frederica 17, refuge from marriage with hefty Lord Bewley, who mistakes chambermaid Mary Jones for heiress. Sandhurst demands ransom from Randolph. Captain Peter Manners, engaged to Belinda, falls for Frederica.

With “a memorable cast of heartwarming characters,” this regency from a New York Times bestseller features a bride seeking to escape an arranged marriage (Publishers Weekly).   Life is finally looking up for the eccentric owners of London’s Poor Relation hotel. The Prince of Wales’s coat of arms gleams over the entrance. All but one of the rooms are filled by the open-handed Prince Hugo and his entourage. The owners have taken on a popular actor as a new partner... moreWith “a memorable cast of heartwarming characters,” this regency from a New York Times bestseller features a bride seeking to escape an arranged marriage (Publishers Weekly).   Life is finally looking up for the eccentric owners of London’s Poor Relation hotel. The Prince of Wales’s coat of arms gleams over the entrance. All but one of the rooms are filled by the open-handed Prince Hugo and his entourage. The owners have taken on a popular actor as a new partner. Finally, these once-impoverished aristocrats have reached a position comfortable enough to allow them to consider offers to buy the hotel.   But their hard-earned success stands in stark contrast to the plight of their latest guest, Lady Jane Fremney. The slight, beautiful daughter of the Earl of Durby has been cast out of her family for refusing to marry the man her father has chosen. Lonely and bankrupt, Lady Jane has decided to commit suicide. But when hotelier Miss Tonks uncovers her plans, the entire staff tries to rescue Lady Jane by finding her a suitable husband—fast! Fortunately, these lovable hoteliers have a knack for matchmaking . . .   “[M.C. Beaton] injects just the right elements of suspense, romance, and outrageous humor into this smashing Regency.” —Booklist less