Years ago Clayton Galbraith, the Duke of Penthurst was involved in a duel with one of his closest friends, Baron Lakewood. He fully intended to fire away from his target, but it appeared to him that Lakewood stepped directly into the bullet's path. Their three mutual comrades steered clear of him for a long time, believing him guilty of murder. Only recently have more details come to light, and it appears that indeed, Lakewood chose death rather than face up to the consequences of some of the things he'd done.

While their friendships are (mostly) mended, there is someone else who won't forgive Penthurst. Lydia Alfreton, who is sister to Southwaite -- one of Penthurst's reconciled friends, was in love with the deceased Baron Lakewood, though no one else knew of it. Their relationship never progressed beyond a kiss, but still, Lydia holds Penthurst responsible for Lakewood's death. Since then, she has become a shadow of her former self. She is dull, and vacant, and only appears to come alive when she is gambling. Lydia is also harboring another secret. It appears she is being blackmailed. Penthurst encounters Lydia while she is physically struggling with her blackmailer, who is attempting to abduct her. He saves her, but the ensuing fracas draws an audience, and sets the stage for a scandal. In order to avoid it, they agree to marry.

Neither of them wanted to marry, and Lydia particularly still harbors a grudge. Despite this, they have a very strong physical relationship, though there's no emotional intimacy. As the story unfolds, we learn the details of Lydia's blackmail, the truth of her relationship with Lakewood, and what exactly he was involved in that would make him choose to die. I found Penthurst to be honorable, caring, protective and likeable. I'll always root for someone who has been unjustly accused. Yet, Lydia was very hard for me to like for most of the book. She was cold, even cruel at times. She called herself a woman of the world, yet didn't act very intelligently. The author, Madeline Hunter, did an excellent job of showing us Lydia's metamorphosis, as she realizes the extent of Lakewood's deceit, and begins to see the true worth of her husband, and the mistakes she has made.

THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS is the fourth book of the Fairbourne Quartet. I don't think it's a must to read the first three because you are given enough background in this book to follow the story, but doing so will add to your enjoyment. For those who have followed the series, THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS nicely ties up the loose ends, and is a must read. I recommend the whole series.