It is well documented that I love Lauren Willig, and this title did not disappoint. When Rachel gets news that her mother is sick, she rushes back from her post as a governess in France. But she's too late. Soon Rachel is left trying to make her way in the world without her beloved mother. And then she finds out that her life and identify as she knew it, might have been a complete lie. Teaming up with a member of the ton (and gossip columnist to boot), Rachel throws herself into the middle of the Bright Young Things of London society, hoping to find answers and herself. 
 While the plot tropes of novel don't feel unfamiliar, Willig has a way of making me care about her characters. I found myself getting teared up about Rachel's plight. I felt her frustration, her heartbreak, and her sense that she was drifting through life alone after losing her mother. I wasn't necessarily surprised by anything, but I was so invested in the characters it kept me going. All of the characters here were very well drawn, and I loved that Willig never really set Rachel, Olivia, or Cece up as competition to each other. They each got to be complex individuals with their strengths and weaknesses, but all endearing. 
 I did hope for a little more from the romance. I think all of the pieces were there and laid out perfectly in the beginning. They were just never fully developed. We rushed to an ending that didn't feel completely earned. I'm used to getting to go on a journey with my couples in Willig's novels. She's usually so good about fitting those pieces together. This time around it felt like there was maybe a link or two missing. I definitely wanted the characters together, but I needed a little bit more time spent with them first. Still, I appreciated her multi focus. 
 This is a strictly historical novel and it was completely enjoyable. I did find myself missing Willig's signature back and forth from historical to modern time periods, simply because she does it so well. Yet, I don't think the story lacks anything for want of it by any means. There were also some Evelyn Waugh cameos which I thoroughly appreciated. If this is the kind of novel Willig continues to produce after she wraps up the Pink Carnations series later this year, I will be perfectly content.