Once More

A simple plot involving a young woman who is forced to honor her childhood betrothal to a despicable earl, then finds love in the arms of an unlikely hero, takes a refreshing turn in this latest Regency by the author of Angel in My Arms. Responsible for the care of her self-absorbed mother and simple-minded, beautiful sister, Julia Thomas has no choice but to marry the cruel Earl of St. Martin. Soon after her arrival at the earl's London home, Julia falls in love with his foppish cousin, the Baron Griffin Archer, who dresses in garish clothing and is rumored to be homosexual. But like the Scarlet Pimpernel, Griffin's outrageous fa ade masks a man only Julia can see--a model of masculinity involved in a dangerous scheme to protect the king. To further complicate matters, she soon learns that Griffin is married and loves his wife. While the ending offers double happily-ever-afters, they come about in a way that is neither unique or surprising. Still, the lively narrative and rich characters outweigh those shortcomings, making this a first-rate read. (Sept.)