[Regencies 05] • Earl from India

A new Regency from Marina Oliver.

When his half-brother is injured, Silas determines to take his place and go back to England to claim John's inheritance. They are almost the same age and look alike. Silas's mother Jenny was John's wet-nurse, and still lives near the Priory. He sails on the same ship as Gerard Holbeck, ex-army, his widowed mother and sister Fanny. Gerard is to take over the management of his father's flourishing import business, and Silas considers Fanny, wealthy heiress, would suit him very well. Fanny, however, dislikes his attentions and tries to avoid him.

Silas discovers his estate in Shropshire is almost derelict, due to the debts and other problems he and John left behind twenty years ago when they were banished to India. His aunt, Lady Charlotte, and cousins Lucien and Amanda, are not welcoming.

Amanda and Fanny become friends in London, where Lady Charlotte is bringing out Amanda. While Fanny is accepted in many houses, she cannot attend Almack's, open only to the girls from the best families of the ton. Amanda falls in love with Gerard, but he is a Cit. Marriage between them is impossible. It is less impossible between Lucien and Fanny.

When Mrs Holbeck is killed in an accident, Lady Charlotte takes Fanny back to her own home near Shrewsbury, along with Amanda. Silas, however, is still obsessed with Fanny.