That's about the time when one of her letters accidentally makes it way to the Duke of Marshington for real! When her brother's handsome new valet catches her eye, Miranda mentions those feelings in her letters too. The idea of him is enough to help her pour out her heart. They are more like journal entries, as she never actually posts them to the boy, even though she's heard rumours that he might be a kindred spirit. There is lots she has to keep secret, including the fact that she's been writing to her brother's school friend, the Duke of Marshington, since she was eight years old. Even though she's memorised all the right moves, we always know her true self isn't far beneath the surface.

Miranda provides many moments of comedy, as she's free-spirited and spontaneous but has to rein it in. In Lady Miranda's case, it was all to do with 'being a lady.' At least we no longer live in a time period when the expression, 'Be yourself,' was light years away. I can relate to the heroine, Lady Miranda Hawthorne, as my well-meaning mother used to tutor me on socially acceptable behaviour until I didn't know if I was coming or going. While war raged with France right across the channel, an elegant facade was always kept in place on the home front. Maybe it's because it was such an age of extremes. For some reason, the Regency Era is the ideal time period to fit the bill. Sometimes, all I feel like is a light-hearted, amusing romance with a bit of action and some heartfelt moments. Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and Two men-one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her Her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for With one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail.

And even more shocked when the duke returns her note Strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of aĪnd mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda isīeyond mortified.

Her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the

Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, Letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke-with no intention ofĮver sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories aboutīut never met. Society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in Acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree.Įntering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter