Lily Balfour is twenty-four and determined never to marry.
Her grandfather's recent passing was a blessing and a
curse. He left her Balfour Manor, a large home in need of
repair but it is all hers to do with what she wishes. Lily
loves Balfour Manor and she is grateful to her grandfather
for the home, but she realizes keeping it standing will
require a large amount of money. But it's 1818 and Lily has
no options but to find funds by making a good match on the
marriage mart. Major Derek Knight is the second son and has
just returned from a military tour in India, the land that
claimed the life of Lily's father. Derek feels obligated to
return to his men overseas, even though his family would
love for him to remain nearby and begin his own family.
Meeting at a garden party, thrown by the Lundys who Lily
has chosen as her future-in-laws, Derek and Lily get
intimately acquainted. Even though Derek takes many
liberties, with Lily's encouragement, he does not learn her
name but she is absolutely aware of his and his reputation.
Derek is unintentionally distracted from finding the
identity of his mystery paramour by Lily's almost intended,
Edward Lundy. Edward is hoping Derek will help him find the
person embezzling money from East India Company's profits,
money Derek needs to send to his men. When Derek is
properly introduced to Lily and he recognizes her, the
relationships between the three become more intense and
more entangled. Lily, Derek, and Edward all have secrets.
As secrets are revealed, more secrets are kept. As more
secrets are kept, more secrets are being revealed. Little
do any of them know, the best kept secrets are the ones
that will bring them all the most happiness and contentment
in the end.
There are many twists and turns to the relationships
between the three main characters. This is less about
staying true to morals and values of the time and is more
about the steamy romance building between Derek and Lily.
Even better is the solution to the mystery of who is
embezzling money and it plays a large part of how the story
is drawn to a close. Another entertaining entry from an
established author.
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