England hasn't been invaded for several hundred years, until, during the War of 1812, an overzealous English naval officer removes two young siblings from a ship bound for their native America. Fortunately, a British diplomat - the Earl of Claremont - rescues them and sends them to his country home until hostilities have calmed down enough to allow them a peaceful return home. This kindly man has no idea of the turmoil he is about to cause his family and friends by this simple, humanitarian act. For Theodosia and Thomas Jefferson Clement are far from the simple youngsters expected by his Countess. The young Clements have been on friendly terms with the crowned heads of Europe as well as the highest elected officials in their own country.

The earl's son is betrothed to the daughter of a neighbor, his daughter would rather write book than read them, and his young twins would wear out a regiment of governesses. Theodosia makes short work of centuries-old customs, while finding her own surprising true love.

About The Author
Rebecca Baldwin is the pen name of Helen Chappell. Columnist, recovering reporter, and writer of books, Chappell has covered Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore for a variety of publications, including the Washington Post. For a decade, she wrote the column Oysterback for the Batimore Sun. Her work has received grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Sumner T. McKnight Foundation. Her journalism was recognized with the A.E. Emmart Award for Excellence in Writing on the Humanities in Maryland and the Jane Austen Society of Maryland's Jane Award for 1994. Chappell is the creator of the critically acclaimed Sam and Hollis mysteries. She has published over thirty-five books.

Chappell lives near Easton, MD, where she tries to keep a low profile.

Her current books are Chesapeake Bay Book of the Dead; on Old Tombstones, Graveyards and Funeral Oddments of the Region (John Hopkins University Press) and Giving Up the Ghost (Dell). Forthcoming in 2001 - A Frightened Ghost - is her fifth entry in the Sam and Hollis mystery series.