Queenie knows that she could not be the Lady Charlotte Endicott all of England was searching for. Rather, she believes that her mother’s friends had been trying to pass her off as the missing heiress, but something went wrong before the plan could be fulfilled. With her mother dead, Queenie is determined to seek out the Endicotts and make restitution for any funds her mother may have received as part of the failed blackmail plan against the House of Carde.

Lord Harry Harking is an absolutely loveable hero, equally capable of blushing as defending his lady’s honor. Harry knows he can be a bit priggish, but there are rules and he means to follow them, even if it means a sacrifice to himself. But he’s never met anyone quite like Madame Denise before. She might be just the sort of companion he’d be searching for - if he were searching - if there were not such a difference in their social standings.

Ms. Metzger’s sense of humor is evident in a number of places, and down right rollicking as Lord Harry leads a mad romp through the opera house as he searches for his missing scoundrel of a brother-in-law, and the family diamonds he absconded with.

The secondary characters are quite likeable, including loveable Charlie and even the poodle Parfait. Queenie’s loyal, but ditzy friend Hellen - "with two L’s" - is reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Harriet.

This is the last book in Barb Metzger’s House of Cardes series - and the most fun.