The Adventuress

This fifth volume in Chesney's A House for the Season novels is characteristic of the author honored as ""the outstanding Regency series writer'' of 1986. Although she writes to formula, Chesney is inventive in the limited milieu. Followers of the series will notice in this volume some personality changes in the odd assortment of retainers who keep the infamous house at 67 Clarges Street, in London's Mayfair, at the ready for whatever entrepreneur will rent it as a launching pad into the London social season. This time the renters are an unlikely couple, the Goodenoughs, apparently father and daughter, she a great beauty, he silent and mysterious. Their secrets eventually become known to the downstairs troupe, but the indomitable butler Rainberd rallies the support forces. When Emily Goodenough's social gaffes and earthy winsomeness capture the ton's most eligible bachelor, another successful season at the house comes to a close. (December 21)