A MOST EXTRAORDINARY PURSUIT

Forced to join a search for a noble heir, a secretary with impeccable character refuses to let herself be dragged into dishonor by the man she’s meant to assist.

Ever since her mother’s reputation was marred by scandal years following her death, Miss Emmeline Rose Truelove is not one to seek adventure. Instead, she’s chosen the straight-and-narrow life of a secretary to the Duke of Olympia. All is well until the Duke departs this mortal coil in a trout-fishing accident and his heir, Arthur Maximillian Haywood, is nowhere to be found. The Duchess insists that Miss Truelove seek out Mr. Haywood, whose last known whereabouts are in Crete, where he’s been researching archaeological discoveries. Though Miss Truelove feels bound to do her employer’s will, she’s notably less keen when her assigned companion for the expedition is a man who previously had casually introduced himself as Freddie but is rather the Marquess of Silverton, heir to the Duke of Ashland. Known for being a cad, Lord Silverton has an informal way of trying to steer the investigation. And even though she’s a woman, Miss Truelove wants a voice in the investigation as well. Unlucky for her, Lord Silverton finds himself unable to resist her charms, with more attention paid to the potential for a courtship between the two than providing an explanation for the supernatural elements of Mr. Haywood’s disappearance.

Surprisingly little happens, and even less is explained. The lack of closure doubtless signals the next installment in the series (The Duke of Olympia Meets His Match, 2016).