Loretta Chase, Lord Perfect

Lord Perfect

Loretta Chase

Berkeley, Mar 2006, $7.99, 304 pp.

ISBN: 0425208885

Widower Viscount Benedict "Lord Perfect" Carsington escorts his thirteen year old nephew Peregrine to Lord Belzoni's tomb of antiquity where the young lord is drawing the displays. Twelve year old Olivia Wingate tells Peregrine his work stinks and that she will be a knight one day soon; he tells her girls cannot be knights so she dislodges him from his seat. Her mom, widow Bathsheba Wingate and Benedict calm things down.

Peregrine's grandfather Lord Hargate informs the lad he needs a drawing master. Peregrine mentions that Mrs. Wingate is one; Hargate says she is a scandalous woman who destroyed her late husband, but her work is brilliant; he hires her.

Olivia sends secret notes to Peregrine informing him that she will look for her ancestor's hidden treasure so that her mom can be treated like the lady she is. Peregrine secretly meets Olivia at the British Museum where she informs him she is going on her treasure hunt. He fears for her safety so he leaves with her. Benedict realizes he is missing, finds their letters, and concludes that Peregrine has run off with Olivia. He informs Bathsheba and they agree to catch the two youngsters before they get into trouble or cause a scandal. As the adults follow, they fall in love. However, the Ton thinks she is a loose woman so a relationship is impossible between LORD PERFECT and MISS WONDERFUL.

LORD PERFECT stars a fine lead couple whose relationship beyond attraction slowly grows once the chase begins. The solid support cast especially her sly daughter and his intelligent caring nephew add depth to the delightful on the road story line. Loretta Chase provides a fabulous character rich Regency romance that sub-genre fans will appreciate.