In the first book of this series, Ewen Sinclair and his wife took two young sisters, Gillie and Betsy, into their home. The girls were orphans, living on the streets by their wits. Gillie, as the older child, dressed as a young lad, in order to stay safe(r) from men's advances.
It is years later and the two girls have grown up; Gillie is hoping for marriage but understands her choices will be few because of her lack of family and status (in spite of her dowery from Ewen Sinclair). Gillie lived as a male for several years and has keen insight into the devious thoughts of many men.
Gillie is accosted by one of those devious men at a party and she is in the process of tearing the miscreant apart when Damon Ryder interferes. He thinks he's saving Gillie but he's really saving the young man. When they get back into the ball, the miscreant has told lies about Gillie to all who would listen. However, Damon steps forward and claims a betrothal to Gillie.
He makes sure her guardian understands that he did it to save Gillie's name and that she may terminate the betrothal at her discretion. Damon, who is a self-made man (in America), has stopped off in London briefly before traveling to see his large family (he's the youngest).
While Damon is courting Gillie, the reader learns that Gillie has had a long-term passion for one of her guardian's relatives (who also taught her to become a young lady). When the Earl of Drummond arrives on the scene, things take a severe turn. This is a very involved plot; I grew impatient with the twists and turns. Actually, during the long courtship, I got bored. Once Drum arrived, I didn't really believe the complication. Overall score = G+.
The Cad Series
1. The Cad (1998)
** 2. The Choice (1999)
3. The Challenge (2000)
4. The Chance (2000)
5. The Conquest (2001)
6. To Wed a Stranger (2003)
7. To Tempt a Bride (2003)
I just reread this book, many years after the original reading, and I forgot how good it is. Edith Layton was a superb writer, and she's not afraid to set up tricky situations. In this book, 3 different men are competing for the heroine's attention, and none of them are bad guys(the other 2 get to be heroes of other books), so at times it's touch and go who she will end up with. Great job delving into each character's motives, emotions and thought processes. The heroine has had some terrible experiences in her past, but she is by no means portrayed as a victim. She is strong and resilient, but still a bit immature at the start of the book. Her path to knowing who is the right man for her feels real and makes a compelling story.
I recommend the entire "C" series: The Cad, The Choice, The Chance, The Challenge and The Conquest(I think that is the correct order)
Good read - this is the only book I have read of this series.
Would like to read others as they come available.
