Cancelled Courtship
By Gloria Gay 

     Lively heiress Cecilia Sentenell is enjoying her Season in London, although it is slightly marred by the presence of the scheming Lady Rolande and her daughter Hedra, as well as by the fact that her father is ill. She has already seen notorious rake the Earl of Arandale kissing his mistress in public and hopes that is the last she will see of him. However, he seems set on singling her out for attention at every ball and rout she attends. When he asks her father for her hand she is horrified, for when she marries she wants it to be a love match. Unfortunately, also seeking her hand is the repulsive Alex Shackel, heir to her home Brintelway Hall. Is she not going to get any offers more to her taste?

     Although this is not a long novel there is plenty in here to give enjoyment. A lively heroine, some good descriptions of the London Season and its gatherings, a good plot involving some extremely dodgy characters and a tidy ending. We even see a glimpse of the demi-monde. The whole adds up to a well-researched novel by an author who knows the period well and it shows. This is the third novel by Gloria Gay and I hope not the last - check out the cover based on one of this talented lady's own paintings. All very enjoyable.