I love a novel with adventure, romance, and mystery, and A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR has it all. Marjorie Mayweather is a debutante with an offer of marriage on the table. She's not sure about her potential fiancΓ©, so before she gives an answer, she takes off for Italy, with her elderly cousin along as chaperone. Marjorie finds excitement everywhere, in the town and with the various characters staying in the same house. She is both intrigued and annoyed by one of the guests, Captain Edward Grainger; they just can't seem to get along.
Edward isn't in the bed and breakfast on holiday; he's there to catch a jewel thief. He has information that it's one of the other guests, so he just has to keep a close eye on everyone until the burglar makes a move. Trouble is, he's having a hard time watching anyone but the irritating Miss Mayweather.
I enjoyed author Sarah Richmond's descriptions of the Italian town and fashions of the day, and it's always fun to put the clues together in a mystery. The only thing I didn't like about this novel was the whodunit. The identity of the thief just didn't make sense to me, and Richmond doesn't give a detailed enough explanation of how the criminal fit the clues. Other readers may not have the same questions that I had, especially those more interested in the romance than the mystery.
A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR is appropriate for older teens as well as adults interested in Victorian or historical romance.
On a grand tour to Italy with her cousin, wealthy heiress
Marjorie Mayweather is braced for the adventure of a
lifetime. After all, this is her chance for one last fling
before surrendering herself to Frederick Clive-Bickerton,
the well-heeled bachelor intent on marrying her.
But Frederick is the last thing on Marjorieβs mind when she
meets the dashing yet chilly Captain Edward Grainger, a
fellow resident at the Pensione Ferretti. Vexed by his
indifference and enchanted by his ice-blue gaze, she finds
herself magnetically drawn to this strangely private
gentleman.
Edward must keep his distance, no matter how alluring he
finds Marjorie to be. For heβs not really a military captain
at allβheβs an undercover agent in pursuit of a notorious
jewel thief reported to be staying at the pensione. Can
Edward maintain his ruse long enough to nab the criminal
among themβ¦or will the affections of a young debutante
unravel his entire investigation?
The railway station was teeming with people. She searched
for the ticket agent but stopped abruptly when she saw a
familiar figure pacing in front of a stone bench, his head
bent, his arms clasped behind him.
Edward had arrived ahead of her. How her spirit soared to
see him. At the same time she wondered why he was here.
When he saw her, his dark, brooding countenance disappeared,
replaced by a generous smile. She hurried to meet him,
clinging to her hat, hoping beyond hope that he was here to
take her home. His hand touched her gloveless hand as he
reached to take her valise. Sparks raced to her core.
βHow did you know Iβd be here,β she rasped. Her voice failed
her as did her decorum. She flung her arms around his neck
and embraced him.
βI didnβt but Iβm happy to have found you,β he whispered for
her and her alone to hear.
She drew back and gazed into his eyes.
They had a moment before decisions must be made, of
alternatives sought out and discussed. She would never
forget this moment when they found each other.
βIβm so sorry,β she said.
βFor what?β
βFor involving you in such a sordid matter.β
βYou did nothing wrong,β he said.
βSo you do believe me?β
βI regret doubting you. It is in my nature.β
Again she saw the gentle curve of his mouth, a suggestion of
happiness. She sensed no fear in him. Sheβd been terrified,
but he was reassuring her that her fears were unfounded.
The sound of a steam whistle in the distance alerted her to
the arrival of the next train. The milling crowd picked up
their cases and parcels and crowded together on the
platform. A little man wearing a blue jacket and cap waved
frantically at them to step back from the track.
βWe must hurry,β Marjorie said. βHave you brought money for
a ticket?β
βTickets wonβt be necessary,β he said. βThe police are
satisfied you are innocent.β
βBut how?β
He offered her his arm and she accepted. He steered her to
the empty stone bench.
βSit down, Marjorie,β he said. βIβve something important to
tell you.β
She heard the whistle of the approaching train and saw great
puffs of smoke belching upward.
βThe train to Naples is almost here,β she said. βI want to
be on it, to go home where I belong.β
βHear me out,β he said. βIf you wish to return to England, I
will understand.β
βYes, I believe you are the most understanding man Iβve ever
met.β
Mothers called to their children, and she heard their eager
cries of excitement as the train squealed to a stop and
sighed. People in the train lowered their windows and waved
madly to those on the platform. People were getting on the
train.
Marjorie wouldnβt be one of them.
She sat down on the bench shaded by a row of tall cypress.
He took a seat beside her and reached for her hand. She held
on to him with complete trust. His expression was very somber.
Instantly, she became apprehensive. All was not well. Heβd
told her the police no longer considered her a suspect.
What else could possibly be the matter?
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