I’ve had pretty good luck with traditional Regency Romances lately, and A Rival Heir provided another solidly enjoyable read for me. It’s an encouraging way to start off the new year. This is a classic “poor relation” story. It’s a popular theme in Regencies, and for good reason. It’s fun to root for the underdog, and to watch as her hard work and general niceness are rewarded and her dreams come true. The poor relation in this case is Nell Armstrong. Her mother was part of the gentry but married poorly and was disowned by Nell’s grandfather. When Nell’s parents die, she goes to live with her mother’s sister, a crotchety spinster. Nell’s grandfather allows her to come on the condition that she will promise to stay with her Aunt Longstreet always. Because he is on his deathbed, Nell makes the promise and intends to keep her word.

Ten years later, she’s still with her aunt, and is surprised when her aunt suggests a trip to Bath. Aunt Longstreet claims she wants to go to take in the waters for her gout, but Nell is sure something’s afoot, because her reclusive aunt never goes anywhere. Still, Nell can’t help being excited. She doesn’t know how to dance and has no hope of marrying, but just the prospect of a change of scene and society is a thrill.

Nell meets Lord Hugh Nowlin at the lending library, as her aunt is making a scene. Hugh resolves the problem and introduces himself as Aunt Longstreet’s godson and heir to her estate. Hugh has been estranged from Aunt Longstreet for some time, so he’s never seen Nell before. He can’t help wondering whether Nell might now be a competitor for the fortune that he presumed was his. He’s really not a fortune hunter; he inherited his own estate from his wastrel father, but he has been depending on the eventual wealth from his godmother to restore the depleted family coffers. As he gets to know Nell, he actually gets annoyed that his godmother isn’t leaving her anything. Aunt Longstreet isn’t easy to get along with, but Nell has put up with her for ten years.

One might assume that Nell is a bit of a doormat, but she really doesn’t come across that way. As the book progresses her own personality emerges, and it’s clear that she has her ways of handling the difficult Aunt Longstreet. Nell is even a little fond of her; she understands her motivations and is often willing to forgive her poor behavior up to a point. And Nell is truly a delightful “poor relation.” She has few dreams for herself, but she willingly finds joy in routine aspects of Bath society. One of the best moments in the book is when Nell decides to treat herself to a new dress. Again this is a staple of poor relation stories, but it’s doesn’t seem old here as she buys the dress with her own meager allowance and can’t quite afford matching shoes. Naturally, Hugh notices how lovely she looks.

The romance is often understated here, but that’s part of the book’s charm. Nell falls in love with Hugh rather quickly, but she doesn’t even dare to hope that anything will come of it. Hugh takes a little longer to realize his feelings, and his attraction to Nell is apparent, but Matthews doesn’t feel the need to hit you over the head with blatant innuendos. A few of Hugh’s well-placed thoughts and imaginings go a long way. There are several secondary characters who play a large part in the story. Hugh’s sister Emily (who is particularly likable) and her husband both play a role, and Aunt Longstreet and her schemes of revenge are also a main theme. Mostly, though, all the subplots lead back to Nell, and it’s gratifying to see so many people realize what a fine person she is.

The pace was just a bit slow at first, and I would have liked to see a bit more romantic interaction between Nell and Hugh. But this is overall a fun read. If you like to see those poor relations get the happiness they deserve, then this one’s for you.