The Riddle of the Deplorable Dandy
" ... if there are two traits I despisethey are arrogance and dandyism ..."
Foreign Titles: n/a German
Synopsis:
In an effort to save her beloved brother, Elspeth turns first to his best friend and then to her most devoted suitor, but both are prevented from coming to her aid. Meanwhile, she has unintentionally antagonized Gervaise Valerian, a quick-tempered dandy, much admired in Town, but whom she finds far from enchanting. Valerian has devised a daring plan to smuggle his father, a fugitive from justice, out of England. When his accomplice in the scheme is rendered helpless, he blames Elspeth.
Despite their mutual antipathy, they are each desperate to aid their loved ones, and with considerable reluctance they eventually decide to work together. Hunted by authorities on both sides of the Channel and pursued by unknown assassins, their efforts are fraught with danger but they persist with their struggle, in the course of which their feelings for each other undergo a marked change.
Foreign Synopses:
Main Characters:
Elspeth Clayton
Gervaise Valerian
Rating: (out of 5)
Reviews:
"Patricia Veryan is the queen of romantic intrigue and her latest Riddle book is jam packed with just that wrapped inside plenty of action." Harriet Klausner
Quotes:
"And that ringlet is too far forward, Hansen. Yes, I know you like it, but I do not. It looks like a sickly sausage hanging over my ear in that abandoned way! Pray retract it! ... Not that far back, Hansen! It is with me, not following along behind!" Madame Colbert
"The simple fact is that Miss Clayton needs - a man! And you, Gervaise - need a female." FitzWilliam Boudreaux
Freda protested, "If ever I heard so many folks jabbering Frenchy-talk!"
Exasperated, Valerian excalimed, "You're in France, you silly creature! What would you expect?"
"Why I'd think they could talk sensible-like, sir, but only listen to 'em! Nineteen to the dozen, and at that rate they couldn't never understand one single word of it!"
"I shay now," protested Sir Harold, blinking at him. "Y'got no right t'call me a p-pershon! Have a droppa wine. Make y'feel better!"
"At least you ladies will be able to stretch your - er, limbs, if you'll forgive me the crude expression."
"Why?" asked Elspeth, raising her eyebrows at him. "We do have them, you know."
"Crude expressions? Miss Clayton! I am shocked!"
Freda giggled.
Elspeth sighed with exaggerated patience.
Title Significance: none
Trivia:
Links: