The Adventuress by Tasha Alexander
I used to think I didn't like mysteries. When I worked at the bookstore, I used to wander past the mysteries and look over at the books by Tasha Alexander and think, "Those look interesting, but I don't read mysteries, so I guess I'll never know." Then I'd toddle off to do whatever I was doing: shelving, helping customers, pretending to look for a book I knew good and well we didn't have but someone insisted, etc. Eventually my good friend John brought me to my senses, for which I shall be forever grateful. For those not familiar with these novels, the heroine is Lady Emily. There are now 10 books in the series: And Only to Deceive A Poisoned Season A Fatal Waltz Tears of Pearl Dangerous to Know A Crimson Warning Death in the Floating City Behind the Shattered Glass The Counterfeit Heiress and now The Adventuress Lady Emily is the daughter of an earl. Because this is the Victorian age, her only real option for her future is to marry someone