Rhys Denham, an Earl, is looking forward to an escape from boredom. The Grand Tour of Europe is again possible, now Boney has been locked away on Elba. This is as the author describes it, but it has been pointed out to me that not everyone may know that Boney is how the British referred to Napoleon Bonaparte, whose wars devastated the whole European continent. Rhys's childhood friend, Lady Thea Curtiss, comes secretly to his home dressed as a youth, of all scandalous behaviour.

UNLACING LADY THEA introduces this girl with three seasons behind her, of intellectual enthusiasms and average looks, who refuses to marry young men who just want her dowry. I liked the girl at once. She's determined not to obey her father and live in the country so she hopes to join Rhys, unchaperoned, as she travels to her godmother in Venice. Aged 22 she claims not to care if her name is ruined. Rhys is 28 and he agrees provided she travels incognito with her maid. He remembers Thea as a madcap, loyal, tomboy and he admits that he'd enjoy her company.

The journey is anything but easy, though luxurious for the times. Carriages, inns and boats are involved as the two friends cross lands littered with returned soldiers wearing cast-off uniforms who try to find work and repair the continent's highways. The worried maid mutters about "murdering Frenchies, sharpening the guillotine" but the innkeepers prefer to bring in money. Paris and Venice are cities returning to gaiety after the war.

Thea is a sensual young woman who has read about marriage and hopes to enjoy it someday. She has money of her own and has every intention of making a life outside the constraints of society. She wasn't expecting to fall in love with Rhys, for Rhys may be a good steward of his estates but he has a rake's reputation with women. Thea learns that being imprudent is dangerous.

I loved a previous book by author Louise Allen, Tarnished Amongst The Ton which also contained themes of travel, unconventionality and ladies of advanced ideas. This adult romance develops the characters - though we like them from the start - and brings the European settings beautifully to life. It is great fun so I highly recommend UNLACING LADY THEA.