Ransom of Red Chief meets Taming of the Shrew in this enchanting romantic adventure wherein a pragmatic princess teaches a spoiled marquis that some damsels prefer to slay their own dragons.
Amy Rosabel, exiled princess of Beaumont, was born to fight injustice. It seems only natural that she set right the terrible wrong done to the sweet old lady who saved her life; Miss Victorine the lace maker. Miss Victorine has invented a lace machine and the Marquis of Northcliff has stolen the patent.
It was the duty of the Marquis to make sure all his tenants were well provided for. The lands were fertile and productive; yet, everyone lived on the edge of property. If well managed, Northcliff resources should support all the inhabitants. The marquis neglected his lands and obviously cared nothing for his responsibilities. Someone has to make him see the error of his ways and Amy knows the perfect way to go about opening his eyes. She will kidnap him, demand a ransom and use the funds to help the desperate inhabitants, especially dear sweet Miss Victorine.
Jermyn Edmundson, Marquis of Northcliff, was furious. Ever since he could remember, he had been pampered, indulged and fawned over. His word was unquestioned law. Men respected him and women (especially young women) adored him. Anything else was unnatural. Who was this upstart virago that dared kidnap him? She dressed like a servant, fought like a street tough, thought like a criminal and carried herself like a queen. She even had the gall to lecture him on responsibility and proper behavior. In spite of himself, Jermyn had to admire her unique bluntness, cunning wit and bold spirit.How outrageous and
intriguing she was. And the conclusions she managed to draw from the barest facts! He had no use for a lace machine and certainly no reason to steal from a poor old lady. Granted, he had not paid much attention to Northcliff since his father died; but his Uncle sent quarterly reports (which he skimmed through). Surely his Uncle would have said something if the tenants were badly off. This young female was obviously misguided and misinformed. As soon as he managed to free himself, he would prove to her how wrong she was. And then, he would teach her that actions had consequences. The vixen had made her bed and Jermyn would make sure she lay in it; preferably with him for company.
