This is the sequel to the enjoyable Victorian mystery, And Only to Deceive. Lady Emily Ashton is now mostly recovered from the death of her husband Phillip. But when a friend of a friend asks for helping in clearing her maidservant of a double murder, new webs of deceit will be uncovered, old friendships will be tested, and Lady Ashton will find out that there are limits to how far you can go...



"'Your port, Lady Ashton, is worthy of its reputation.'
'I wasn't aware that it had a reputation.'
'Oh, yes. Your scandalous habit of taking it after dinner is a favorite topic of conversation at my club. The members are divided on how a gentleman should react when a lady refuses to retire to the drawing room. Many insist that it would be better to forsake the beverage entirely than to encourage the corruption of a viscount's widow. However, when faced with your most excellent cellar, it's difficult for a fellow to stand by his principles.'" (p 16)



I found this sequel enjoyable but not as good as the previous one. These books are not quite mysteries - they are more in the nature of romantic Victorian thrillers. I like them pretty well. My chief disappointment with this book has to do with the lack of an appendix, such as I seem to recall the first one having, explaining what in the book was true and false from a historical point of view. My chief enjoyment was the way that the main character grew throughout the book. Three stars.