The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer (published 1951) is almost more mystery than romance. In this story, it seems like the new Earl of St. Erth is being targeted by his younger half brother, Martin, who would inherit all if not for Gervase. With the help of the others in residence at Stanyon, including the most sensible Miss Morville, St. Erth not only survives the onslaught but manages to find out the truth.
Martin is a most desirable villain in this book. He has not just a hot-head but an unfortunate tendency to profess his love to Miss Bolderwood. He is darkhaired and mysterious. In addition, there are secret passageways, night time wanderings, and mysterious attacks, giving the entire book a Gothic feeling. The ancient castle of Stanyon helps by seeming like its own character in this novel.
I was about a quarter way through the novel when I realized I’d read it before. Sometimes it takes a specific memorable event to bring it all to remembrance. It was a nice reread, and I certainly appreciated the gothic elements a lot more now.
