The Scoundrel's Vow

Can a feisty young miss find love and marriage with Sir Scarborough Weston, whom she's adored since childhood? The odds are against Calandra Locke in Browning's debut Regency--not only is she the daughter of Scarborough's servant, and educated at Scarborough's expense, but the nobleman's shrewish aunt clearly wishes to keep them apart. Furthermore, Scarborough has vowed never to marry and thereby avoid hurting a woman as his philandering father hurt his mother. The scoundrel Scarborough is the most intriguing element. Calandra is one-dimensional, no match for the roguish lord, and her schemes to win his heart quickly wear thin.Although the lead characters lack the chemistry necessary for a romance to succeed, Browning demonstrates potential, especially in her sympathetic depiction of the lovers' backgrounds. (Aug.)