M. C. Beaton

Bringing Regency England vibrantly to life, the fifth volume in the Poor Relation series follows the escapades of Colonel Sandhurst as he helps a young woman avoid an unwanted marriage. Owing to an unfortunate wager made by Sir Philip, the poor relations are once again scrounging around for a plan for solvency. This time it is Colonel Sandhurst to the rescue. After happening on Sir Randolph's lovely daughter Frederica, who is running away to escape...

The oddly assorted group met some time ago. All of them were poor relations, the genteel paupers of society, living on little more than their dignity. They banded together and started the Poor Relation hotel, hoping to be bought out by their embarrassed relations. Though as the hotel prospered, they began to enjoy the fruits of their labor. But once more they are in need of funds. To stoop to crime in their days of poverty was one thing, but to turn...

Penelope-golden-haired, azure-eyed, fresh from the county-has stolen the heart of the most desirable Earl of Hestleton. Rich, startlingly handsome, he is the most eligible lord in the realm. He had planned to toy with her affections then toss her to the bon ton, but when the Earl discovers that he is a pawn in Penelope's Aunt Augusta's social-climbing scheme, he begins to doubt Penelope's true love. Can the belle keep her beau or will her aunt's ambitious...

Life is finally looking up for the poor relations. The Prince of Wales' coat of arms gleams over the hotel entrance. All but one of the rooms are filled by the open-handed Prince Hugo and his entourage. The owners have taken on a new partner, Mr. Jason Davy, a popular actor. Even curmudgeonly Sir Philip hasn't uttered anything loathsome for days. They have finally reached a position comfortable enough to allow them to consider offers to buy the hotel. The...

Hamish Macbeth, the laid-back constable of Lochdubh, Scotland, has a new Land Rover to drive and a Highland summer to savor, but as fast as rain rolls in from the loch, his happy life goes to hell in a handbasket. The trouble begins when his beloved Priscilla Halburton-Smythe returns from London-with a fiancé on her arm. His miseries multiply when clouds of midges, the diabolical Scottish mosquito, descend on the town. Then a paragon of housewifery...

A flirtation across the social divide may lead to lasting love- or betrayal- in this sparkling Edwardian romance by the New York Times—bestselling author. Polly Marsh wasn't born into high society, but she has high ambitions-and confidence that her beauty is enough to land a dashing nobleman. Taking a position as a stenographer for a prestigious family firm, she soon finds that she's succeeded in capturing the attention of Lord Peter. Others-such...

The loveable characters from the Poor Relation Hotel return in this sparkling and adventurous Regency romance from M. C. Beaton. Eliza Budley is a beautiful widow whose husband gambled away his fortune. So when the poor relations need to acquire some valuables to keep the hotel afloat and Eliza draws the short straw, Lady Fortescue reminds the others that Mrs. Budley has no relatives on whom she can call. Gentle Mrs. Budley thinks she has escaped...

In this Edwardian romance by the New York Times, bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin mysteries, an optimistic debutante faces an unlucky season. It's a maiden's miracle! Annabelle Quennell, daughter of a poor country parson, gets a chance at a London Season to snare a wealthy husband. But before she sets off, Mad Meg the Gypsy predicts trouble ahead! And it is nothing but woe that Annabelle finds. Godmother Lady Emmeline sponsors Annabelle's spree-and...

A spirited spinster takes aim at a prized bachelor in this Edwardian romance by the bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin mysteries. Even the inhabitants of secluded Nethercote look pityingly upon young Henrietta, the Vicar's sister; her plain features seem to almost guarantee her a solitary future. And yet, she has a determined spirit and magnificent hazel eyes. So when her Great-Aunt Hester leaves her unexpected wealth, Henrietta sets out to...

Keine Hochzeit, aber ein Todesfall! Agathas Ex-Mann James Lacey ist mit einer schönen jungen Frau verlobt - und Agatha wird sogar zur Hochzeit eingeladen. So eine Misere! Aber schlimmer geht es bekanntlich immer, und am Tag der Hochzeit kommt es zur Katastrophe: Die Braut wird tot aufgefunden. Plötzlich ist die taffe Detektivin als eifersüchtige Ex die Hauptverdächtige. Und das ist noch nicht das Ende der Fahnenstange, denn die untröstliche...