The Engagement
Nick Ross is on a mission for his friend, Jocelin Marshall who wants to return to England to prevent his sister from marrying a much older, nearly decrepit earl, but Jocelin was shot and can't make the trip. Nick gallops up the drive trying to intimidate Georgiana Marshall but she is not the least frightened.  In fact, she thinks Mr. Ross is quite vulgar and barbaric. Nick tries every way he can to convince her that marriage to the Earl of Threshfield is a big mistake, but Georgiana has her own reasons for securing this marriage and she is determined to go through with it.  Other members of the earl's family have reasons of their own for stopping this marriage, most of which are greed and desire for the title.  The earl enjoys teasing and taunting his family and one day he tells them something shocking that makes them all hate Georgiana more. Nick realizes the accidents that have befallen Georgiana lately are not merely coincidences, and he is sure someone is trying to kill her.  Nick has developed a strong desire for Georgiana and after he kisses her the first time, Georgiana's own desire for Nick is set aflame. Georgiana wants more of Nick and all she has to do is say his name, and he cannot control himself. Nick feels guilty for seducing his best friend's sister and knowing that he is way beneath her station, he accepts that he is not suitable to marry her.  He tries to explain to her, but Georgiana wants to save face so she dismisses him first even though she loves him, and  now they act like enemies towards each other. The earl dies suddenly and since there is no engagement, you would think that Georgiana is out of danger -  but not so!  And on top of that disturbing situation arrives the Duke of Clairemont, Georgiana's father, who vehemently opposes Nick and throws yet another wrench in this story.  Nick and Georgiana have a lot of problems to deal with before they can get on with their lives  - and possibly announce their own engagement.Ms. Robinson has created characters that come alive!  A real, yet delightful rouge in Nick Ross and a strong, independent Georgiana who takes him to task! A romantic thriller, The Engagement is a wonderful read!   Intriguing and exciting, The Engagement is fast paced and satisfying!Gloria Miller  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times