Lord Rathbone's Flirt: A lady of good reputation, a cynical viscount.

Gayle Buck's novels frequently improve on re-reading. True to the genre, it takes little to destroy Verity's reputation and the destruction was Lord Rathbone's intent as revenge for how she described his character to a friend. What saves the plot at this point is that Rathbone is falling in love with Verity but does not realize it and that is one reason he continues to show her particular attention. Her reputation ruined, Verity is attacked by the very spoiled Miss Pettiforth and literally cast out into the night. Forced to go home to an empty house, Verity's brother finds her there when he returns from the American wars. Rathbone's host Mr. Pettiforth invites him to leave because of his treatment of Verity. In the subplot Mr. Pettiforth reclaims control of his family as a reult of this incident and arranges to send his daughter to a select seminary specializing in spoilt beauties. But wait! The plot is much more complex and Buck fully realizes its promise. Rathbone's mother has nourished a desire for vengeance against her husband's brothers and uses her son as her instrument. Verity's betrothal to Rathbone (she does love him) to prevent her brother from calling him out and killing him puts her in line for foul play by Rathbone's uncles. Buck write so true to the Regency period and she is a joy to read. Her characters are not overdone or underdone but always true to themselves. Her plots and characters have a redemptive quality similar to Mary Balogh's best. Lord Rathbon's Flirt is one of several of Buck's books that I have read 4-5 times and read yet again. Each re-read reveals subtle nuances previously overlooked that add spice and enjoyment. Maybe I'll just re-read it now.

Gayle Buck expertly shows modern readers how easily a Regency lady's reputation (and life!) could be ruined by malicious gossip. Lord Rathbone encounters Verity Worth at one of those Regency house parties at a country estate and proceeds to unintentionally ruin her reputation with a bit of flirtation. Her rage -- and his remorse -- are expertly written. It is completely believable that he would fall in love with her and yet come so close to losing her. You really want to see these two come to realize their mutual love. There are many obstacles for these lovers to overcome, but I don't want to give away the surprise ending. This is Gayle Buck's best effort, and I have read at least ten of her books so far. Many Regency authors portray situations that could never have happened with the rigid rules imposed on proper ladies and gentlemen engaged in courtship. Here the entire plot is believable. This book is well worth seeking out. Enjoy!