Take a young man seeking adventure and action. He fights in Wellington's Peninsular Army against the French forces of Napoleon. But then he is badly wounded at the battle of Talavera and has to give up the military career he loves so much. He becomes moody and difficult.
Another young man lives the life of a society darling but he has no money. He must live by his wits. Into their lives comes a lively young lady, determined that she will not be married off to anyone, even though her mother has ordered her to make a good match. She longs to go back home and carry on helping her father the vicar with his good works.
B -u -t the two gentlemen are so very handsome and so admiring, she is tempted.... just a little....and at the same time she becomes aware of sinister undercurrents in society life. She has to prevent a spy from damaging her country, but at a possibly fatal cost to herself.
The Wild Card was one of the winners in the RNA Joan Hessayon Awards for a first novel.
The Judge’s summary:
The Wild Card was one of the winners in the RNA Joan Hessayon Awards for a first novel.
The Judge’s summary:
The Wild Card (Hale) by Beth Elliot - "The
background is terrific, the story lively and the pace relentless as the story
builds to a fantastic climax. A wonderful charming and well-written Regency
with its essential lightness spiced with intrigue."
