Jane Ellsworth and her sister Melody live with their parents in the Dorchester countryside during the early 1800's. Jane is well mannered, a talented artist and an accomplished practitioner of the feminine magic known as "glamour" which all well breed women are expected to practice. But unlike her sister Melody, Jane is plain looking and at the age of twenty eight close to the end of her marriageable years.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Both sisters are interested in Mr. Dunkirk, who lives at a nearby estate along with his younger sister Beth. Initially Jane is certain that the younger, more beautiful Melody is destined to win Dunkirk's heart. But then two new prospects come into the picture; Captain Livingston, the nephew of the Viscountess FitzCameron, and Mr. Vincent, a brooding glamourist and artist.
Jane makes friends with Beth and during her visits at their home becomes close to Mr. Dunkirk. At the same time she becomes intrigued with Mr. Vincent, who has arrived to help the Viscountess magically decorate for her upcoming ball and with whom she compares magic at a picnic outing.
At the ball she collaborates on a magical effect with Mr. Vincent and saves his life when he collapses from the strain of the magic use. During his recovery over the next few weeks she nurses him and they become close.
But before that, at the same ball, Jane discovers that Captain Livingston (who is publicly betrothed to Beth) is also secretly engaged to Melody. The scandal will ruin her family's honor and hurt Beth, but worse than that she knows that Mr. Dunkirk will challenge Livingston to a duel.
She tries to tell Melody, who doesn't believe her, and finally uses glamour to expose Mr. Livingston who then elopes with Beth. Jane feels responsible and chases after then in hopes of saving Beth and preventing a violent confrontation between Dunkirk and Livingston.
Best part of story, including ending:
The glamour magic is neat.
Best scene in story:
The duel confrontation at the very end is good.
Opinion about the main character:
She is a little boring.
