Simon St. Bride has known Jane Otterburn for more than a year. They shared the same house
and the same acquaintances. So what else could Simon, a gentleman by birth, do other than
confront the person questioning the lady's honor. But Simon is not only a gentleman, he is
a Rogue. The Company of Rogues is a select group of men who formed their own society when
they were schoolboys, and swore to right the world's wrongs.
By turning the tables on the challenger, Simon not only spares Jane's honor, he is able
to further his goal of unmasking the traitor who has been stealing funds from the Indians
in Upper Canada. What Simon does not expect is to find that Jane, in spite of her being the
picture of a genteel woman in mourning, comes to mean the world to him. Like the other Rogues,
Simon feels like he has been hit by lightning when he falls in love.
While Jane has been attracted to Simon for some time, she never expected him to notice
her. And now that he has, and they are forced to be together due to circumstances, she's
terrified that her secret will be revealed. If it is, she knows it will change her life as
she knows it or desires it to be. And the thought of a future without Simon is becoming
increasingly unbearable.
While Jane's secret is certainly a big one with many potential ramifications, its revelation
dragged on for too long for all the attention the hero gave it. As for Simon, he is charged
with returning secret papers to England where the code can be deciphered and the matters
addressed. In the end, the mystery of the papers and their potential threat is dealt with
much too quickly to be completely satisfactory. This is very much a character driven novel
and readers will find Jane a very satisfactory heroine, and Simon a worthy hero. You have
to love a hero who always loves the heroine.
By the first page Jo Beverly draws you completely into the world of a young Canada. Ms.
Beverly's attention to detail and accuracy of research give you an accurate picture of
society in York, Upper Canada, and the realities of month-long sea voyages.
Jo Beverley never disappoints. Her characterization is wonderful and her historical
detail gives you a true glimpse of a young nation.