Reviewed by Francine.
Alethea is a traditional Austenesque
Regency tale, in which chance encounters lead to love and romance for two
cousins. Of course, there are trials and tribulations along the way for both, and
while Alethea is a somewhat headstrong young lady, Eleanor is older and more
reserved. Both being borne to the genteel existence of a countryside abode – Alethea
is utterly naive in the ways of aristocrats who take liberties at will with
unsuspecting females. But once she’s introduced to the possibilities that
infamous Almack’s can afford her, the world is suddenly her oyster.
Warned that one man is best
not trifled with, for it would seem he delights in trifling with young ladies
hearts, Alethea’s heart is soon suffering from romantic flutters whilst she remains utterly
determined to resist any notion of surrender to his charms. But another, by far
more dangerous man is soon taking more than he deserves and trouble suddenly
abounds with the mere mention of his title. After all, mystery and intrigue is
all very well until it comes too close for comfort. And while Alethea stands up
to the bounder as a true heroine should, he nonetheless wreaks unknowing revenge
that may well destroy any hope of happiness for her future. And there I shall
leave you in suspense, for I thoroughly enjoyed Alethea’s initiation from
innocent country girl to that of a young socialite caught up in the darker side
of London Society. All the while, Eleanor, sweetly misguided into the belief
she’s destined for spinsterhood, discovers otherwise! A lovely, lovely story.
