Eloise and Colin have two more months together before she returns to the US. She's done most of what she set out to do for her dissertation but it is not complete. All mentions of Gwen Meadows and Jane Wooliston disappear after 1805. She knows they returned to England but not why or what happened to them.

Thus starts the saga of the Purple Plumeria. Even in the 10th book, I can't wait to get my hands on a new installment. Miss Gwen and Jane return to England after one of Jane's sisters disappears. Agnes was attending Miss Climpson's Academy and her disappearance is entirely unexpected.

As they travel, Gwen learns that she doesn't know all of the Carnation's business as she once believed. Hurt and baffled by Jane's secrecy, Gwen is ripe for trouble on their arrival at Miss Climpson's.

Colonel William Reid a has come to England to see his daughters after ten years of separation. He does not expect to find his youngest daughter missing. Lizzy disappeared at the same time as Agnes. The school didn't report it for several days to the Woolistons and they would have had no way to contact Mr. Reid in a timely manner.

Now, Gwen and William will set off in search of the two girls while Jane pursues other avenues. First, they look to his oldest daughter, Kat, who they find living in squalor with her grandmother. William is heartbroken at the thought that he failed both his daughters. When Gwen and William are attacked and he is wounded, their search is delayed. As Gwen tends William, their adversarial relationship changes as they recognize the good qualities in each other.

When they finally track down the girls, they find much more than they bargained for.

Ms. Willig has a deft hand with an intricate plot. She skillfully weaves the past and the present into books that keep the reader clamoring for more. THE PASSION OF THE PURPLE PLUMERIA is a great addition to the Pink Carnation series.