Lady Veronica Smithson has been a widow for three years. She has used that time to make friends and grieve for the loss of her husband. She doesn't want to marry again but she misses the presence of a man in her life.

Lady Veronica Smithson has been a widow for three years. She has used that time to make friends and grieve for the loss of her husband. She doesn't want to marry again but she misses the presence of a man in her life.

Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater is a renowned explorer and author of several books about his adventures. He disappointed his family when he took off to explore the world. He has returned to England seeking to regain the approval of his family. He has even contemplated marriage, vaguely.

When he meets Lady Veronica, his vague thoughts take form. Sebastian find himself nonplussed by the intelligent beauty. His future begins to take shape within his mind but the plan begin to go awry when Lady Veronica turns down his proposal.

The second in a trilogy, this is Victoria Alexander at her best. Witty dialogue will keep the reader enthralled with the story. The twists and turns of the story will keep the reader amused and wanting more. The book stands alone so well. I hadn't read the first when I started this but I never felt lost when characters from the first book made appearances. I can't wait for the the third.