Set in Regency England, Elinor Rochdale has been reduced to
a penniless governess after her father gambles away his fortune and shoots
himself. Traveling to the country to accept a new post, she steps
into the wrong coach and encounters Lord Carlyon, who has advertised quite a
different sort of position. Lord Carlyon is seeking a wife for his dissipated
younger cousin, whose estate he would rather not inherit. Believing Elinor to
have come in answer to his advertisement, misunderstanding ensues. In the end,
Carlyon persuades Elinor to accept the position he has to offer, and she marries
his cousin on his deathbed, becoming both wife and widow in a matter of hours.
Shortly after, Elinor finds herself caught up in a series of strange events
including midnight intruders, treason, and murder.
This is a lighthearted historical novel, with a dash of mystery
and romance. Heyer’s books are reminiscent of Jane Austen’s novels, though with
a bit more spunk (that’s not a criticism of Austen). Also, the historical
detail is wonderful.
278 pages
