It was enjoyable but no way the best. The synopsis on the back of the book was rather misleading, intimating that there was quite a bit of intrigue but that seemed rather a minor sub-plot climaxing in a quick incident near the end. The main plot was Mariette learning to be more of a polished lady while recuperating at the home of Lord Malcolm's sister, Lady Lilian. The romance was rather tepid as there really was no suprise nor conflict. It was not Carola Dunn's best work. ( )