2024/076: Letters To Half Moon Street — Sarah Wallace

Mr. Kentworthy does not need to flirt with everyone he meets to be a proper rake. I am particularly intrigued by your description of his tendency to use terms of affection. I’ve heard he spent a great deal of time on the Continent. Could that account for it? I regret to say it is possible we are very sheltered. [p. 23]

Cosy and cheerful M/M romance, set in an alternate Regency which is not only race-blind (several of the characters are described as having naturally darker skin than protagonist Gavin) but more or less devoid of prejudice regarding sexuality and gender. Birth order is more important than assigned gender (at least one couple in the novel are referred to as 'Lady and Lord' because it's the wife who has the higher rank) and sexuality, or 'persuasion', is a frequent subject of gossip ('Is it true he enjoys the company of both men and women?') but does not seem, otherwise, of real significance. Men can marry men, women can marry women, and the Dukex (the term used for a non-binary aristocrat of ducal rank) can presumably marry whoever they like.

Gavin, our hero, is an introverted younger son, sent to London to carry out some business for his father, and to get him out of the way of judgmental older brother John. Gavin would prefer to be left alone with his books -- he's an avid reader of poetry -- but finds himself, as he reveals in letters to his beloved sister Gerry, pursued by the dashing and rakish Mr. Kentworthy. Gavin (who is also a magic-worker, though unaware that his natural talent is unusually strong) has never been open about his preference, but he has to admit that he has come to care for Kentworthy. Of course there are communication issues; of course there is a touching sickbed scene; of course there are misunderstandings, and a dance, and subsequent gossip. It's all sweet and comfortable, and though some of the language feels overly modern the ambience is recognisably Regency.

The magic isn't as integral to the plot (and the wit not as witty) as the classic Regency epistolary fantasy Sorcery and Cecilia, but I enjoyed this enough that I'll keep an eye out for subsequent books in the series, especially when I am overwhelmed by dismal realism.