London, 1808

Cassandra Reade and Lucinda Sinclaire developed a fast friendship in their Swiss finishing school. Now, however, done with schooling and back in England, their paths in life are about to diverge, for Lucinda is a great heiress and Cassie's parents died and left her with just enough funds to finish school. Cassie has found a governess position in Bristol, and Lucinda will be heading to a London Season to be presented by Lady Tyndale, her Godmama. At least, that's what her parents and Godmama believe . . .

At Lucinda's request, Cassie stops at an inn on her way to Bristol to meet Lucinda on her way to London. Upon reaching Lucinda's room, she finds only luggage, an open window, and a letter addressed to her in Lucinda's loopy hand. In it, Lucinda pours out her fears of her Godmama's forcing her into a marriage with her scoundrel of a nephew Roland, Viscount Carlyon, who badly needs Lucinda's large dowry. Lucinda, so the letter goes on, is on her way to Bristol to take up Cassie's position. She pleads with Cassie to go to London as Lucinda, make Lord Carlyon propose, and then expose him as a fortune hunter when he cries off upon learning of the impersonation.

The masquerade begins immediately with a knock on the door. Lord Carlyon has been sent by his aunt to escort Lucinda to London; his voice is the one Cassie heard in the room across the hall, apparently speaking to a blackmailer. Add that to Lucinda's pleas to be saved and Cassie's mind is made up. She has no choice but to take her friend's place, no matter that it's a mad plan and Lord Carlyon is all that is handsome and charming.

In spite of, or owing to, the rather contrived plot, MASQUERADE quickly becomes a Regency romp of the type for which the term was coined. Cassie is welcomed warmly by Lady Tyndale, attends social affairs where she becomes popular, and with the aid of her new maid, spies on Roland to uncover his secrets. He appears to be having an affair with a beautiful married woman whom he escorts to every gambling den in town. At the same time, he exhibits many good character traits that belie the bad things she hears. Still, there remains the conversation she overheard in the inn. Cassie's escapades lead her into danger, and not just to her person; her heart is vulnerable as well.

If you're looking for good traditional Regency romances, be sure to check out Awe-Struck's many excellent titles, and don't forget MASQUERADE. Though the love scenes go beyond Regency conventions, it's an enjoyable tale. And if your ambition is to write a Regency, you might look into the contests at www.awe-struck.net.

Jane Bowers