The Earl of St. Merryn needs a woman. His intentions are purely practical - he simply wants someone sensible and suitably lovely to pose as his betrothed for a few weeks among polite society. He has his own agenda to pursue, and a false fiance will keep the husband-hunters at bay while he goes about his business. The simplest solution is to hire a paid companion.
Finding the right candidate proves more of a challenge than he expected. But when he encounters Miss Elenora Lodge, her feisty manner and golden eyes sway him to make a generous offer.
Elenora's sorry financial circumstances - and dreams of a life of independence - leave her little choice but to accept. But St. Merryn appears to be hiding a secret or two, and things seem oddly amiss in his gloomy London home. Elenora soon discovers that this lark will be a far more dangerous adventure than she'd been led to believe. And the Earl of St. Merryn will find that the meek and mild companion he'd initially envisioned has become a partner in his quest to catch a killer - and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a bothersome passion in his practical heart.
The Earl of St. Merryn needs a fiancée, he wants to find out why his uncle-in-law died and his time is being taken up by husband hunting ladies and their mothers. He hires Elenora Lodge, who is looking for a job as paid companion, his proposition appeals to her, it will leave her with enough money to start her own business, something that appeals to her as she sees herself as on the shelf.
During the course of their mutual mystery investigation they find that they like each other a bit more than just as companions in the hunt. What they will do about that is the question.
Interesing but pretty predictable. Not exceptional and in fact I was pretty sure I'd read it before until I realised that in fact one of her other stories is almsot identical.
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6 January, 2008:
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