Regency Morning

the long version

Laurie knew what everyone was saying-Pity the three dowerless St. John girls! Their father had died, leaving them destitute and at the mercy of their guardian, aloof and attractive cousin Tarquin. But practical Laurie had a Plan: first her sister Dora would wed Tarquin; then, Clarisse would enter a convent; leaving Laurie free to retire with a good book and an undemanding spouse. Unfortunately, Laurie had failed to take into consideration the whims of fate. Tarquin peremptorily decided to launch the St. John girls en masse into Society--the sooner to be rid of them, Laurie sniffed. Dora then proceeded to set her cap for the wrong man entirely, and Clarisse was positively reveling in London's glittering round of routs, balls, and soirees. But if her sisters were being decidedly disobliging, Laurie herself was the worst traitor of all. For somehow she had lost her heart to the arrogant Tarquin. And that had not been part of the Plan at all!