Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey
En route to Dover with her son, Isaac, Elizabeth Cantrell’s carriage is intercepted by a highwayman, whom she recognises as Adrian, Lord Torrington, the disreputable older brother of Isaac’s father, who seduced her and abandoned her to life as an unwed mother. After his explanation that he had been acting on behalf of the government, to intercept papers believed to be in her carriage, Adrian proposes a hasty marriage of convenience as the only way to protect her reputation and his identity as a government spy. Known as a well-practised flirt, Adrian is handsome and quite irresistible, but Elizabeth has vowed that she will not lose her heart ever again, and she does not divulge her son’s identity. Reaching the family estate at Middlecrest, the couple engage in a convoluted masquerade to convince Adrian’s daughters and ex-mother-in-law that their attraction is love at first sight. Wedding preparations are underway for Adrian’s eldest daughter, but the fiancé dies mysteriously and, suspecting poison, Adrian and Elizabeth team up to look for clues.
This is a very well written Regency romance wrapped in a historical mystery involving murder, government agents, French spies, poison and kidnapping. The descriptions of house, grounds, furnishings and costume all immerse the reader in this 19th-century world. Well-drawn characters add a distinctive flavour to the action, and there are several mysteries to untangle. The novel moves along at a brisk pace, and the unusual marital relationship draws ever closer to true love, as Elizabeth realises what a trustworthy and good man Adrian is, despite his reputation. Perhaps she can risk opening her heart after all. A very enjoyable read and recommended.
