by Iris Bromige (1978)
A Magic Place combines the charm of the other Rainwood family novels with a strong thread of mystery. It is the story of Frances Barbury, sensitive, artistic but not without her share of Grandmother Mirabel Rainwood's pride and courage. Frankie's chosen career was the stage, but when it became apparent she had neither the toughness nor, perhaps, a strong enough talent for success, a long break from London seemed a good idea. Nicholas, her brother, a writer and critic, knew just the right opening. The charming Mrs. Falkland had enlisted his help in finding a secretary-companion for her invalid husband who had dropped out of the literary world years ago. They lived now in a beautiful but remote part of Wales. Frankie loved the country. She also took an immediate liking to both kind Mr. Falkland in his wheelchair and his much younger seemingly fragile second wife, Caroline. The only disturbing element was Rolf, son of Mr. Falkland's first marriage. Why was Rolf barely on polite speaking terms with his step-mother? Why was he so suspicious of Frankie's motives in coming to Riverdale? At times he seemed to trust her and be grateful that his father had found so congenial a companion, at other times he shut her out. There was a strong attraction between Rolf and Frankie, but she could not understand the guard he put up against the world. With his unjust dismissal of her their relationship seemed to have reached a bitter ending. Yet Mr. Falkland, the father to whom Rolf was so devoted, had not failed her. His legacy finally proved to be more than money: it was one of happiness.
Barbara Cartland
Paris, 1870. Excessively handsome and exceedingly wealthy, Lord Thornton Kyleston, the Earl of Kyleston faced two mighty dangers. In England, the beautiful and determined Lady Irene Curtis impatiently awaited his return, while in Paris, the winds of war were inexorably rising. In the midst of his dilemma, the Earl acquired a startling protegee: an enchanting young Lady, Miranda Valmont, with a most unladylike proposal....
Georgette Heyer
Prudence and Robin Tremaine, are children of the notorious and brilliant Viscount of Barham, find themselves on the wrong side of the Jacobite rebellion. The brothers have been dissemblers since they were children. And in this age of slippery politics, they need to be. Their infamous adventurer father has taught Prudence and her brother Robin to be masters of disguise. To escape detection, the Viscount sends his offspring on the road to London, each masquerading as the opposite sex. Prudence pretending to be a dashing young buck, and Robin as a lovely young lady. During the travelling to London to meet their eccentric and rather wayward father, they take a break for a meal, and overhear what is clearly a reluctant elopement... and decide to get involved. It quickly becomes clear that the brother and sister are not exactly what they seem to be... For they it is nothing to rescue the charming Letitia Grayson, a rich heiress from her abductor. But once committed to their masquerade, they must see it through. And now, with their own Iives at stake, they hid in the very limelight of London society. As Peter Merriot, captivating Prudence became the favorite companion of dashing and elegant aristocrat Sir Anthony Fanshawe, her guise that become highly inconvenient when she falls for him, even though discovery of her true identity meant death. Just as it seemed as though her mad pose might succeed, she was challenged to a duel. Prudence knew it would not he long before this tall, sleepy-eyed gentleman fathomed her desperate secret. The two masqueraders must find a way to unmask themselves without losing their lives?
Anita Higman
"City meets country when Charlie offers to buy Franny's Oklahoma farm on the condition that she stay long enough to teach him the farming business. In the process, they discover what is truly important"--
Georgie Lee
To save his family legacy Rafe Densmore must seize a courtesan's infamous register. No one can ever know how his father betrayed his country! One person stands in Rafe's way - the beautiful Cornelia, Comtesse de Vane. In the card rooms of Paris, Rafe and Cornelia once made an unbeatable ... intimate team. Until, convinced of Rafe's desertion, desperate Cornelia married an elderly comte. Now, returning to London an impoverished widow, she'll do anything to possess the register. Even if that means becoming Rafe's partner once again ...