"Regency Tour De Force"

In A DEBT TO DELIA Barbara Metzger pulls off a true tour de force of both pathos and chuckles. Only an author with Metzger's deft skill could successfully mix a Regency tale of death, ruined reputations and scandal with humor for a fine and ultimately satisfying broth.

Major Lord Archimedes (Ty) Tyverne is standing behind enemy lines severely wounded when George Croft literally rides to his rescue. Croft loads Ty onto his own horse and sends him off with the final demand to save someone else's life to thank Croft for saving his.

When Ty comes to himself in the field hospital it is to find that Croft was killed and that he left behind a sister, Delia, who Ty thinks is pregnant and unwed. He has also been bequeathed the 'horse from hell' Diablo, as no one else will take him.

Ty is a man of great honor, who learned nothing of love from his cold and distant father and is uncomfortable in the presence of women. With women Ty becomes quite tongue tied and often says the wrong thing. No typical Regency rake is he. Ty is a very likable hero and as he wends his way between pathos and hilarity it is clear that he is a wonderfully kind man; who will go to great lengths to protect those he considers in his care.

Upon arriving in Kent at the Croft estate in a feverish state, Ty collapses at Delia Croft's feet after proposing marriage. Delia thinks at first he is a drunk and then discovers his fever and takes him into her house. Since her reputation in the area is ruined, she doesn't think Ty's presence will make things any worse.

Delia Croft is a caring woman, who has sacrificed her reputation by taking in the disowned girl her brother had wanted to marry, Belinda. Belinda is pregnant with George's child and near death from a broken heart. Delia and Ty contrive a way to protect Belinda and George's memory and the result had me shedding tears of joy at the sacrifice of this wonderful couple.

What follows is a story of love, misunderstandings, dedication and honor; not to mention great humor. This wonderful book had me crying for the first third, laughing for the next third and smiling over the happy ending that manages to unite several couples.

While A DEBT TO DELIA is not as laugh out loud funny as the wonderful MISS LOCKHARTE'S LETTERS, it has it's own charm and is ultimately a very satisfying read emotionally. Both lead characters grow emotionally through their dealings with each other and one truly believes that a happily everafter is in their future.

Miss Metzger is to be congratulated for writing such a complex story within the structure of a 210 page Regency. I highly recommend this to Metzger fans and new fans should read this one and then hunt up a copy of the classic MISS LOCKHARTE'S LETTERS.

Reviewed by Linda Hurst
Posted May 19, 2002

Major Tyverne has offered to marry lovely Delia Croft. But she can't help wondering if duty-not desire-rules his heart.

Nominated for 2003 Best Regency RITA by Romance Writers of America

Summary

In the heat of a battle in the war against Napoleon, Major Lord Tyverne is wounded and trapped behind enemy lines. Then a fellow redcoat comes to Ty's aid and insisted the peer ride his horse to safety. Later, horrified to learn of his rescuer's death, Ty vows to live up to the brash young soldier's parting challenge to save someone else's life

To repay the debt of honor, Ty offers his hand in marriage to the dead man's sister. And Delia Croft is certainly in need of help. For the retainer her cousin provides is barely enough to keep her and her dependents clothed and fed. But Delia longs for a union of love, not obligation--a union that the handsome officer many not even believe in...