Fortune's Folly (Signet Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, tangled tale!
Review: Poor Miss Pandora Marsh is saddled with an immature father, foppish elder brother, flighty sister and mischievous younger brother. She holds hearth and home together by carefully saving every penny. One day a delivery arrives to "Miss M" signed "Your Lancelot." It is a beautiful and costly emerald necklace. Attempts to find out who sent it are in vain.

In another part of town, Viscount Sarsbrook is mourning the loss of his uncle. Sarsbrook is surprised to see his frugal uncle had purchased an expensive necklace shortly before his death. His uncle's diary of amorous exploits with his mistress (Miss M) is found. Also, there is an entreaty for Sarsbrook to take care of this mistress.

Sarsbrook is eventually directed to the address of the Marsh's and calls on them. When he explains why he is there - to give Pandora an income as his uncle wished, she denies knowing his uncle and tries to return the necklace. He does not believe her and the visit ends rather abruptly. Later, Pandora's elder brother, Winfield, tries to return the necklace but he does a little scheming and intimates that Pandora had been seduced by Sarsbrook's uncle but did not want to ruin her illusion of respectability. So the necklace is not returned and Pandora's brother pawns it, quickly gambling away all the proceeds.

Our tangled tale continues from there. Sarsbrook finds himself attracted to Pandora and with a little help Pandora and her family are introduced to society. He does not let on that he "knows" she is a fallen woman. They, with a little help from youngest brother Nicky and little terrier "Mr. Stubbs," seem to be thrown together at odd times and the attraction turns to love for both Sarsbrook and Pandora. But ... confusion erupts when he offers her a slip on the shoulder, saying that she will be the "wife of his heart" since they cannot wed. The emotional turmoil that follows the revelation of the truth is so well written, I found it unforgettable!

I found all the characters well fleshed out and believable. Everyone acted as they would in real life. There is a villain spreading vicious rumors in the form of Sarsbrook's cousin. There are also friends, servants, wonderful descriptions of Pandora's family and the little dog to help the storyline along! A delightful and enjoyable book that touched my heart and left me feeling good!