Allegra Author:Clare Darcy At first Allegra Herrington thought she would accept the offer of marriage from her distant cousin, Sir Derek, who because of entail had inherited her father's estate and title. If she did, her vivacious younger sister Hillary would have a secure and happy life, for the girls had been left homeless and practically penniless. But Allegra'... more »s temper sometimes matched her red hair and, becoming convinced by gossip that this experienced and handsome diplomatcousin was proposing out of charity, which her pride could not let her accept, she refused him roundly.
Taking Hilary, she swept off to Brussels to teach in a school run by her ex-governess, even though, it being the spring of 1815, the continent is disturbed. Sir Derek, who had joined Wellington's staff, was exasperated by her independence, yet he saw to it that both girls entered the highest circles of English Society in the city. Suitors instantly pursued both, amid complications. But when, on the evening before Waterloo, the girls found themselves in unexpected danger, it was to Sir Derek they turned for rescue — which, of course, brought further complications.« less