England - 1803 and the Present

When we last left Eloise Kelly (THE DECEPTION OF THE EMERALD RING), she had finally, almost without a doubt, nearly proved that Miss Jane Wooliston was the mysterious Pink Carnation, a British spy during the Napoleonic Wars. Eloise still has a few ends to tie up before presenting her graduate dissertation and is using her time in London to delve into the Vaughn Collection, as in Lord Vaughn, a contemporary of Miss Wooliston, and someone who played a part in the Emerald Ring story. Eloise is also dividing her time with Colin Selwick, wondering just where their relationship is going, but enjoying the trip at any rate. Finding Lord Vaughn's appointment book in her research, Eloise discovers how he plays an important role in the Pink Carnation's life.

Mary Alsworthy, the elder of two daughters, is trying very hard not to hate her younger sister. But how does one forgive someone when that person "accidentally" eloped with Mary's intended? It's humiliating to appear in public when everyone in the ton is aware of what happened, and it's just as disgusting to be around the two lovebirds as they try to avoid showing that they adore each other while Mary is in their house! Plus, even worse, now her new brother-in-law may have to finance Mary's Season in Town! So when the notorious Lord Vaughn approaches her at a party one night and requests her assistance in discovering who the Black Tulip French spy is, Mary jumps at the chance. Perhaps the right titled gentleman will appear to whisk her off to married bliss, and all of her troubles will be over. It obviously won't be Lord Vaughn, who talks in circles, ignores her beauty, and seems much too distant to be interested in marriage.

Vaughn knows that the Black Tulip gravitates to dark-haired, porcelain skinned women. Mary Alsworthy fits the bill completely. And, if Vaughn didn't have a very live skeleton in his closet, he, too, would be pursuing the lovely lady. Using Mary as bait begins to worry him, though, as Vaughn realizes that the Black Tulip may have a very different agenda than Vaughn thought. Can the serious, seemingly callous Lord Vaughn be falling for his accomplice?

I adore these books and love the characters in both centuries. Eloise is modern, seemingly carefree, but stumbles and gets tongue-tied around Colin. Mary is modern, but well aware that the only future for her lies in marriage, and a husband with money is imperative. Vaughn is the consummate gentleman with a slight chip on his shoulder, who uses a silver-tipped walking stick, and has an eyebrow that is constantly rising when Mary is around and testing his patience.

Miss Willig does her research, and the Regency era sections are beautifully written, right down to the satin slippers. The mystery is wonderfully played out, and there are plenty of surprises in store for readers in this, the fourth book in the Pink Carnation series. Do not miss this one! And, if you haven't already, do read THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE PINK CARNATION, THE MASQUE OF THE BLACK TULIP, and THE DECEPTION OF THE EMERALD RING.

Jani Brooks