Adam Vickery, the Marquess of Tannerton, is crossing from
Ireland to England when the ship encounters a gale of
unimaginable strength. As he awaits his certain demise,
Adam or Tanner, as his friends call him, realises that his
life has been a meaningless one. Tanner observes the other
passengers with interest; wondering what their lives have
been like.
The woman with her hands tied and attended by a Bow Street
Runner is of special interest. What has she done to be
treated so harshly? What horrible crime did she commit?
When the call comes that sends them to the lifeboats, Adam
insists that the women and children be given the
opportunity to disembark first. The Runner forces his way
on to the last lifeboat, abandoning his prisoner.
Tanner ties himself and the woman to the mast just before
the ship hits the rocks.
First Tanner and Miss Brown find themselves in the company
of the wreckers. Then as she begs his help to run away
from the law, Tanner decides to escort her to safety.
As they elude their pursuers, Tanner and the lady known as
the Vanishing Viscountess, wanted for the death of her
husband, will develop an attraction. Tanner's near death
experience convinces him that he must help save Marlena
from a hanging.
Ms. Gaston has a way of painting a scene with her words--the
description of the shipwreck leaves the reader with a
vivid impression of the danger. She has way of grabbing your
attention and making you feel the emotion of
the characters.
Normally, angsty books aren't my style but this book was
moving and I found myself cheering Marlena and Tanner as
they evaded both the law and the villians who pursued them.
A woman of innocence and notoriety…
The prisoner stood with an expression of defiance, leather
shackles on her wrists. Adam Vickery, Marquess of
Tannerton, was drawn to this woman, so dignified in her
plight. He didn't recognize her as the once innocent,
hopeful debutante he had danced with long years ago.
Marlena Parronley, the notorious Vanishing Viscountess,
was a fugitive. Seeing the dashing, carefree marquess of
her dreams just reminded her that she couldn't risk
letting anyone, especially Tanner, get caught up in
helping her escape. He would face the same punishment she
did. The hangman's noose.