"Intriguing Regency romance."

Brandon Pellidore, Marquess of Hartley, is accosted by Stanley Arlington in one of London's gentlemen's clubs. Stanley accuses Brandon of kidnapping Celia Rider and taking her money. Brandon doesn't realize he's now Celia's guardian, so he visits her stepmother, Patrice Rider, to find out what's going on.

While Brandon is talking with Patrice, he notices a young woman playing chaperone. He learns that Celia has come to the house disguised as a nursemaid for her young brother, Martin. They are living with Patrice's mother, Lady Honoria, but Celia is determined to come into her money and live on her own. Brandon notices conflicting answers concerning the money and decides to assist her in learning the truth.

This intriguing story really kept my interest. Brandon fights his family's curse while he works to solve the mystery of who's behind the misdeeds in the disappearance of Celia's money.

Reviewed by Delia Larkins
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted September 23, 2003