The author's witty conversation between characters is delightful. She weaves an extraordinary tale of mistaken identity, independent determination and growing affection. Meg, the oldest of three daughters, and only one not married has always assisted her father in business. It is no wonder that she desires to experience first hand how to run the most exclusive dress shop in London. So going to London she is now a guest of her mother's dearest friend. After a month of fulfilling her heart's desire by working in the dress shop, one night, she is abducted on the whim of Adrian Rounceford. But when he discovers that his kidnapped bawd is really a well-born heiress, scandal seems certain. Although he is already engaged, he proposes that they wed, and straight-way takes her to his aunt's house [the dowager Countess Marchford]. Adrian's aunt, who is level-headed, plans to spread the word that Meg was her guest all along which will cover for her midnight arrival. Then she tells Meg to wed Adrian but Meg who is not in the least agreeable to marriage leaves before she can hear an alternate plan to save her honor. More mayhem abounds......as all the Rounceford bachelor cousins become unwittingly involved. Meg is strongly independent and yet over time all three cousins will eventually ask for her hand in marriage to save the family name.
This is the first Margaret SeBastian book I read many years ago and it is still one of my favorites.
