The Secret of the India Orchid

Love is elusive in this chaste, page-turning early-19th-century romance. Anthony Blake, Earl of Wilshire, plans to offer marriage to Sophia Elliot, the sister of his friend Jack. But when his former superior at England’s war office asks him to locate and protect the Janus Document, which contains damaging information on him and other agents, Anthony knows that he must take the mission. He breaks off his association with Sophia, believing that she could be in danger because of her friendship with him. Two years later, Sophia joins one of the many Fishing Fleet expeditions, in which young Englishwomen traveled to India in hopes of meeting eligible English military men there. Anthony tracks the Janus Document to India and Captain Miller, who is a guest at the British Residency. When Anthony and Sophia reunite at the British Residency, he is reluctant to disclose the nature of his mission, though he works on rekindling their romance. Then Captain Miller goes missing and Sophia becomes embroiled in the search for him. Campbell Allen’s tale simmers with sweet romance, historical detail, and a dose of mystery. (Aug.)