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The Gilt Cage
Trapped by snow, scandal, and a reformed rake, Isabel must navigate Society—and her own heart.
Amid the hush of falling snow and the hint of hidden treachery, how much must a lady risk to claim her freedom?
Widowed and heartbroken, Isabel, Marchioness of Axbridge, flees Bath upon learning that her former love is soon to be married. Hoping for respite, she accepts her cousin’s invitation to Chernock Hall.
But instead of finding sanctuary, Isabel stumbles into a domestic crisis of majestic proportions. Influenza cripples the household while a fierce blizzard traps an unwelcome assortment of relations and guests inside. Political convictions soon threaten the veneer of polite society, and Isabel, an earnest abolitionist, finds herself increasingly at odds with Marcus Bateman, whose easy manners and incorrigible good humour sit ill with his apparent willingness to overlook the company he keeps.
Though Marcus’s lightheartedness provokes Isabel’s disapproval, his rare moments of seriousness hint at depths she cannot easily dismiss. As tempers flare and loyalties fracture, Isabel must decide which danger she fears defying Society’s expectations—or allowing herself to fall in love again.
A traditional Regency tale of wit, conscience, and unexpected regard.
The Gilt Cage was previously published as A Marchioness Below Stairs. This second edition contains new material and has been extensively rewritten and lengthened.
Other Regency romances from Alissa Baxter
The Hearts of Purpose Series (in Kindle Unlimited)
Lord Fenmore's Wager
The Gilt Cage
The Linfield Ladies Series (in Kindle Unlimited)
The Earl's Lady Geologist
The Viscount's Lady Novelist
The Baronet's Lady Biologist
The Grantham Girls Series (in Kindle Unlimited)
The Duke and the Lady Gardener
The Baron and the Lady Chemist
The Lord and the Lady Astronomer
Amid the hush of falling snow and the hint of hidden treachery, how much must a lady risk to claim her freedom?
Widowed and heartbroken, Isabel, Marchioness of Axbridge, flees Bath upon learning that her former love is soon to be married. Hoping for respite, she accepts her cousin’s invitation to Chernock Hall.
But instead of finding sanctuary, Isabel stumbles into a domestic crisis of majestic proportions. Influenza cripples the household while a fierce blizzard traps an unwelcome assortment of relations and guests inside. Political convictions soon threaten the veneer of polite society, and Isabel, an earnest abolitionist, finds herself increasingly at odds with Marcus Bateman, whose easy manners and incorrigible good humour sit ill with his apparent willingness to overlook the company he keeps.
Though Marcus’s lightheartedness provokes Isabel’s disapproval, his rare moments of seriousness hint at depths she cannot easily dismiss. As tempers flare and loyalties fracture, Isabel must decide which danger she fears defying Society’s expectations—or allowing herself to fall in love again.
A traditional Regency tale of wit, conscience, and unexpected regard.
The Gilt Cage was previously published as A Marchioness Below Stairs. This second edition contains new material and has been extensively rewritten and lengthened.
Other Regency romances from Alissa Baxter
The Hearts of Purpose Series (in Kindle Unlimited)
Lord Fenmore's Wager
The Gilt Cage
The Linfield Ladies Series (in Kindle Unlimited)
The Earl's Lady Geologist
The Viscount's Lady Novelist
The Baronet's Lady Biologist
The Grantham Girls Series (in Kindle Unlimited)
The Duke and the Lady Gardener
The Baron and the Lady Chemist
The Lord and the Lady Astronomer
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Alissa Baxter
14 books303 followersAlissa Baxter writes historical novels set in the Regency period, featuring women with unusual interests and occupations. Her Linfield Ladies series, a trio of traditional Regency romances, showcases women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways... at least eventually. Her Dragonblade Publishing trilogy, The Grantham Girls, continues this inspiring theme.
Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.
Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 27, 2026
An Historic Romance
A sweet clean love story. Set in a changing time in England, when abolitionists were fighting against the injustice of slavery and women had few rights. The story starts with two loves torn apart by ISOBEL’s father forcing her to marry a older man for his title and bride price. I enjoyed the character development and sweet love story.
A sweet clean love story. Set in a changing time in England, when abolitionists were fighting against the injustice of slavery and women had few rights. The story starts with two loves torn apart by ISOBEL’s father forcing her to marry a older man for his title and bride price. I enjoyed the character development and sweet love story.
April 14, 2026
Enjoyable read
This is an interesting story around the time abolition of slavery in England was a hot topic. The author shows the differing views as well as the indifference of others. At the center is the unfolding relationship between the main characters. It had some intrigue as well. Lovely ending. This is a clean read.
This is an interesting story around the time abolition of slavery in England was a hot topic. The author shows the differing views as well as the indifference of others. At the center is the unfolding relationship between the main characters. It had some intrigue as well. Lovely ending. This is a clean read.
April 30, 2026
A sweet regency romance where the two main characters are learning to trust again while also engaging in moving their abolitionist cause forward.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
July 4, 2026
This story had intrigue and a hea after the hero and heroine realize they could work together to help in the fight ag slavery. For me the story dragged at times with too much dialogue bot overall a sweet read
March 25, 2026
Love not fear
This is an intriguing and exciting story of intellectual and romantic love.
It also has many interesting cooking challenges.
Read and enjoy.
This is an intriguing and exciting story of intellectual and romantic love.
It also has many interesting cooking challenges.
Read and enjoy.
April 7, 2026
good story but…
Yes, this was an entertaining read, but I’m afraid that the poor quality of proof reading took its toll on what would have been 5 stars.
Yes, this was an entertaining read, but I’m afraid that the poor quality of proof reading took its toll on what would have been 5 stars.
Read
April 7, 2026Author’s Note: I have used British English spelling throughout this work. For instance, words such as 'organisation' or 'analyse' are spelled according to Oxford/UK standards. Thank you.
May 7, 2026
A sweet romance💖
This was good. The information about the slave trade and abolition was accurate and gave the story an interesting central point.
This was good. The information about the slave trade and abolition was accurate and gave the story an interesting central point.
May 18, 2026
She's a bit of a wet blanket, but decent read overall
May 21, 2026
I really enjoyed the reference to the past history.
Good to read from start to finish.
Good to read from start to finish.
May 27, 2026
Another really great read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews