Francis Newton was the second son of a baron, on trial for murder. The verdict was that Francis was to be spared the gallows, but he would be incarcerated for a time and would never be able to return to society. But before everyone cleared out, Francis yelled his protest of the verdict and said that he was innocent, someone had set used him to take the blame. He turned to his former friend Thomas, Viscount Sharpe, and again said he was innocent – even though Thomas was the one who had found him standing over a body and holding a bloody knife. He asked him to find out why he was set up. He also asked him to care for his sister who would shamed by this. Although Francis had brothers, he knew they would not take care of her. Thomas gave his word and Francis pulled out a vial of poison and drank it in front of everyone, still declaring his innocence.
Thomas was in shock and just stood there. A kindly older gentleman told him he should leave, commended him for agreeing to care for Francis’ sister, and told him to come see him when the mourning year was over. He was Marquess of Thurston and would make sure Julianna was not barred from social events since he had some influence over the ‘beau monde’. He also mentioned that he did not feel Mr. Newton was truly guilty; something more was going on. True to his word, as soon as Julianna arrived in London, the Marchioness of Thurston, wife of the Marquess, had been sent to meet with Julianna as her sponsor. She had arranged for several dresses for Julianna, introduced her, and made Julianna ready for her Season in London.
At the ball, Thomas signed Julianna’s dance card and asked Lady Thurston if he could take Miss Newton to meet some acquaintances. As they walked, Julianna reprimanded him for not asking her first, as she did not wish to be spoken of as if she were not there. Suddenly a bearded man knocked into them hard enough that Thomas fell to the floor. Since all were unhurt, the man walked away without waiting for an introduction. So Thomas introduced Julianna to his acquaintances and she gained several more dance partners. While she danced with Lord Borden, he sat down and heard something crinkle in his pocket. It was a note stating Newton was innocent and there was more at stake than he knew! When Julianna returned to him, he showed the note to her and she immediately realized the bearded man must have slipped it in Thomas’ pocket! But why? Who was he?
Henry came into the drawing room, angrily asking why Julianna had to always be in his way. He was arrogant, cruel, and hateful to her, demanding she leave “his” house and telling her he never cared for any of his family members. In the midst of the fight, Thomas arrived and intended to take her to Lady Thurston for the remainder of her stay. But she refused and said she would avoid Henry. Lord Borden asked to call on her, and that would keep her out of Henry’s way. Her only regret was that she was beginning to wish it was Thomas who was courting her.
Thomas arrived the next day and told the butler he would wait until Lord Borden left. He approaching the drawing room’s slightly open door and heard laughter. But instead of being glad their relationship was proceeding well and he would likely be freed of taking care of her, he felt irritated and wanted to interrupt them! She would be gone from his life, his promise to Francis completed -- and a deep sense of disappointment overwhelmed him! Lord Borden stepped out and greeted Thomas. As they talked, Borden confided that he was going for the dowry! The lady herself held no interest for him! His courtship was merely a game to him to get the money for himself! As Thomas joined Julianna, he could not bring himself to tell her the truth about Borden’s intentions. Would she find out in time to refuse the man’s marriage offer? Would Thomas give any thought to the unusual feelings that were confusing him? And would he and Julianna discover who had given him the note and who had set up her brother as a murderer and thief?
This was such a good story! The mystery was well done and kept the reader on edge. In addition, we see Thomas and Julianna beginning to warm to the other while time runs out as Lord Borden pursues his courtship. Such an exciting story line, and many directions it can take! The twists and turns have only just begun as the hunt for the true murderer heats up! Don’t miss this one – it’s awesome!