Fantastic book. I have looked forward to Lucas's story since his appearance in Once a Spy. Lucas is Simon's cousin and foster brother, and it was because of Lucas that Simon and Suzanne were on the Continent when Napoleon broke loose. I couldn't wait to see what would happen once Lucas returned to England.
It hasn't been easy for him. First, he had to regain his health, which he did under the watchful eyes of Simon and Suzanne. Then he had to resume his place in Society. This was difficult to do with many people disapproving of his actions during the war. Lucas himself feels guilty over his breaking parole to escape, even though his captors had already broken those rules. As the book opens, Lucas is drifting, unsure of his place in the world of his birth, and missing the healing work he did with Friar Emmanuel. But all of that changes when a woman in black enters the ballroom.
Kendra attended the ball in a desperate attempt to repair her reputation. Her husband accused her of infidelity, divorced her, and took her son away from her. Her bravado quickly fades as whispers circle the ballroom, and no one will look at or speak to her. Just as she's ready to retreat, one man comes forward and asks her to dance.
I loved this scene between Kendra and Lucas and its immediate insight into both characters. Kendra is brave, independent, and determined. Lucas is kind, compassionate, and gentlemanly. I loved how they bonded over both having "dishonorable" reputations, ready to support each other. Then they realized that they knew each other years before and connected over their shared memories of that carefree Season. I liked how they made their escape and continued their conversation. When Lucas heard Kendra's story of what happened to her, he immediately offered to help.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lucas and Kendra as they worked to discover and reveal the truth. Both are fully conscious of the rules of society and are careful in their actions. Kendra needs to restore her reputation to gain custody of her son, so she and Lucas are careful to maintain the proprieties. I liked that they first expanded on the friendship of their youth, comfortable with being honest with each other. The more time they spent with each other, though, the sparks of attraction began to complicate matters. I liked the way that they supported each other. Lucas introduced Kendra to people who could help her, people who quickly became friends. Kendra helped Lucas see that he needed to continue his work to feel whole. I ached for them as their feelings for each other grew stronger because they could see no possibility of being together.
I loved following the progress of Kendra's quest. The abuse that she suffered and the humiliation of her husband's actions could have broken her, but she was stronger than she knew. It was satisfying to see the support and help she received from Lucas's friends and family. It was grand to see so many characters from earlier books as they joined the search for justice. I especially liked the ladies' fencing group and the eyebrows they raised. These women played a pivotal role later in the book. There was an unexpected twist regarding Kendra's son that added extra complications to her quest. There were also several appearances by Kendra's ex-husband, a nasty piece of work whose threats were frightening. I liked how the search for answers began to get results, instilling hope that Kendra would succeed. The plan that she and the others devised was beautiful in its simplicity and theatricality. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried it out and cheered at its success. I especially loved what it meant for Lucas and Kendra.
In addition to Kendra's problem, Lucas also had his cross to bear. The guilt he felt over his escape made him particularly sensitive to the way other people viewed it. I ached for him every time someone made a comment or accusation. There was one man who was especially vitriolic every time he saw Lucas, but would never come out with any details about why he felt that way. I had to laugh when Kendra intervened, accusing them both of acting like children and forcing them, at swordpoint, to settle the matter. It's amazing what a little communication can do. I loved that not only did Lucas not hold a grudge, but he also used his healing talents to help the man. It was also a turning point for Lucas, who finally let go of his guilt.
I also LOVE this cover.
