Yorkshire, England, March 1816; London, May 1816

When Pamela Clarkdale finds Christopher, the Earl of Kittridge lying wounded beside a stream near her home, she is worried that he might not survive the gunshot wound in his shoulder. With the help of Seth and Barlow, who oversee the horses, she hides Kitt in the stables so he can recover.

Pamela is careful not to give him away, but she did not count on her vindictive, spoiled, selfish sister, Sheila, telling their father that she kissed Kitt. It is then that Pamela discovers that Maurice Clarkdale is not her father, and he disowns her, telling her to get out of his house despite the fact that her mother is very ill. Kitt is well enough to travel, and Pamela tells him not to be concerned, so he leaves not knowing about this turn of events.

With no place else to go, Pamela is fortunate to be accepted as the companion of Lady Claire Parkington, who is also Kitt's Godmother, and an old friend of Pamela's mother. After meeting her again, Kitt suggests that they pretend to be engaged, and Lady Parkington decides to sponsor Pamela for a Season. But Pamela's grandparents, Earl and Countess Marscombe, are sponsoring Sheila...so Pamela says that she and her grandmother don't get along, and Lady Parkington tells everyone that she is Pamela's Godmother, too, and played matchmaker for Kitt and Pamela.

Then, Sheila makes it known that she wants Kitt for herself...and Lady Parkington and Pamela are denied vouchers at Almack's.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ALMACK'S is one of the best Regencies I have ever read. It is filled with information and splendid descriptions. Denise Patrick sets Society on its ear and leaves the reader furiously turning pages to see what happens next. Kitt is amazing, and Pamela is brave enough to wait for Kitt to love her as much as she loves him. There are plots within plots within plots and surprises around every corner, interspersed between layers of secrets. Other characters: Lord Denton Avery; Lady Louisa deWare; Lord Wyatt Crandall; Louisa's parents, and Stephen Clarkdale, Pamela's brother, all add to the mysteries and suspense surrounding Pamela and her unknown heritage. I could rave about this story for the next hour or so, but that would make the review very long. Seldom have I read a more compelling romance that did not have even one bedroom scene. So many emotions come into play, devotion, loyalty, and most of all, love. There are tragedies along the way and information that can hurt several people, but Ms. Patrick handles all the intriguing, possibly explosive situations with aplomb and veracity. THE IMPORTANCE OF ALMACK'S is a Perfect 10 that I very strongly recommend.

Vi Janaway