The Viscount's Wager

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous character development; Nail biter!
Review: If a Regency novel could ever be considered a nail biter, this is it! I couldn't fathom how this would work out in the end. I had to force myself not to peek ahead and you should do the same!

Without giving away too much of the storyline, briefly - Katrina Vernon, unwanted orphan in her relative's home goes to a ball. Her Uncle, although browbeaten by his wife, insists she is to go or he will not allow his daughter to go. He holds his niece in affection but his own household is fairly impoverished. Ill-dressed and apparently thought to be one of the horrible Vernon's, a young attractive man spends a half hour talking to Katrina, wooing her, and in effect compromising her. The Viscount "Devil" Danville has done it all for a wager, even promised double the amount if he kisses her in public. But in the short half hour as she poured her heart out to him, Danville tries to give her advice about "lambs amidst wolves." The ball ends disastrously for Katrina among the snickers and snubs and her standing in the household is worsened!

Placing an advertisement in the paper, a Vicar and his wife hire Katrina to be a companion and governess for their young daughter. Treating her like family, Katrina seeks a new life. Unfortunately, it is within the confines of Viscount Danville's land and though he is not known to visit his country estate, shortly after Katrina's arrival, he also arrives.

There are many unexpected meetings and conversations filled with innuendos. What is the mystery surrounding her employer (Lady Helen) and Danville? Did he seduce her? Is he attempting to make Katrina his mistress? There is music and mayhem and mystery throughout the book and wonderful secondary characters to meet.

This is not a book for the faint hearted. There is talk of poor houses and poverty and people dying in horrible conditions. There is also love and redemption. I could not put this book down. Despite the title, this is very little about a typical Regency "wager." If you can find this book, it is worth obtaining.