An Unlikely Hero

New York: Signet, 1996. First edition. Very Good. The last place Gilbey Kentwell, Viscount Cranford wants to spend two weeks is at Rivington, the family seat of the St. Aldwyns where the purpose of the house party is to find husbands for the St. Aldwyn twins. He would rather stay at Cambridge and bury his head in a book. His protests are overcome by the persuasive powers of his best friend, Nicholas St. Aldwyn, who wants Gilbey to help him keep his twin sisters out of trouble. Gilbey comforts himself with the knowledge his rank and fortune are too low for him to be counted among the suitors and looks forward to Rivington's fine trout fishing. Lady Venitia St. Aldwyn and her twin, Lady Vivian, have been given an ultimatum by their father. The sisters are notorious for refusing all offers of marriage and devising ingenious, often embarrassing tests for their suitors. Now they must choose husbands from the invited guests. They watch from the gallery as the guests parade through the great hall followed by footmen carrying the luggage. The straps of a worn portmanteau snap, depositing Gilbey's belongings on the polished floor. Thus is Viscount Cranford introduced to the St. Aldwyn sisters. The sisters are intrigued and mystified as Gilbey goes out of his way to avoid them. Gilbey has chosen that course to protect his sanity and his heart. The discouraging looks of the sister's father adds incentive, but fate conspires to place him in Venitia's path continually. Venitia cannot make up her mind about the young viscount and matters are complicated by a blackmail note slipped under her door. A family secret will be made public unless she agrees to marry the blackmailer, who will identify himself at the betrothal ball. Venitia is trapped between a promise she will not break and a secret she cannot allow to be revealed. Her schemes to unmask the blackmailer and protect the secret threaten her chance of future happiness with Gilbey.A terrific read with unexpected villains and a worthy hero thrust into the fray! Gail Eastwood weaves intrigue seamlessly through the Regency setting, adding mystery to a delightful plot and set of characters! An Unlikely Hero sparkles!" -- Literary Times Book is in very good condition with usual edge wear and bumped corners. Lower corner on spine worn, with tear starting. Inside covers are tanning. Pages are clean and binding is tight.