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On the run for her life, the honorable Isabella Fluer Bradshaw takes drastic measures in order to survive. By changing her name to Miss Fleur Hamilton, she leaves for London, intent on hiding from murder charges brought against her. After a few weeks with no money and little food, Fluer sells the only thing left to her, her body. Afterwards, she has a hard time reconciling what she has become -a whore. Not willing to lose the last part of herself, Fleur tries the domestic agency one last time, in hopes of gaining a legitimate job.
Adam, the Duke of Ridgeway has remained faithful to his cold wife Sybil in all the years of his marriage. With one exception. Consumed by guilt for taking Fluer’s virginity in a ruthless manner, not knowing he was her first customer, the Duke was determined to right the wrong. He secretly hired her to be a governess for his daughter, fearing she would refuse if the job offer came directly from him. Scarred and emotionally battered from the war, the Duke tries to put his past transgressions behind him.
Fluer hides from her past, fights daily nightmares and dodges lustful guests, all the while taking care of her charge. Her one refuge was music. As the Duke hears her playing, he was drawn further into her world. The more time he spends in Fleur’s company, the more attracted he becomes. Intent on finding out just who the mysterious Fluer truly was, the Duke makes it his quest to find out all her secrets. As love grows, the Duke vows that if he couldn’t have Fluer, he would make sure she is at least safe and happy. But to do so, he would have to fight the murder charges against her. Will he succeed in gaining her freedom? Or will terror force Fluer to bend to the will of an evil man?
The Secret Pearl is an engaging tale that takes a reader all over the English countryside. From the slums of London to the Dukes ancestral home, Mary Balogh gives us a fascinating glimpse of life in both worlds. I couldn’t help feel a little distant from the characters a time or two, but it detracts little of the story. I love the idea of a wounded hero who fights for his love, against all odds, without compromising his honor. The Secret Pearl is another great read by this talented author. Mary Balogh’s new book is out next year and I can’t wait to get it in my hands.
Reviewed by Stacey Brutger
for The Road to Romance
December, 13, 2005
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