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The Lady in Question is another winner from Victoria Alexander. Identical twin sisters, Delia and Cassandra Effington are separated by Delia's impulsive elopement. Delia's husband dies a week after the wedding, which creates a huge scandal, and Delia is forced to retire from society.
When Cassandra returns to London for the Season, she persuades Delia to go to a ball as Cassandra. There she meets Viscount Anthony St. Stephens and is instantly attracted to him. Unbeknownst to Delia, Tony is also her elderly butler, Gordon. In fact, all her servants are spies for the Crown. They are searching for documents her husband was reputed to have -- and that could prove him either a traitor or hero.
Tony is a conflicted man. Charles Wilmont was Tony's best friend as well as a spy. He can't believe Charles was a traitor, yet all the evidence points to him. Acting as Delia's butler becomes frustrating as she tells Gordon all her feelings and secrets. He is wildly attracted to her, and yet has to maintain his pretense, even when she talks about her feelings toward Tony.
Delia married Charles, not out of love, but from necessity. They made love, and he insisted on marrying her. Delia was always the compliant, sensible sister, and she longed to have an Adventure. Marrying Charles had certainly been that. Now, however, she is scandalous, and not able to mix in society. She manages to see Cassandra, but still lacks a confidante and is very lonely. She begins to confide in Gordon, yet doesn't realize he is also Tony.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. Victoria Alexander conveys the deep emotions and conflicts of her characters in a manner that ensures the reader's sympathy and liking. The secondary characters are vivid and add to the story. I can highly recommend The Lady in Question to readers who enjoy historical fiction.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
July 16, 2004
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