The Secret of the India Orchid

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Overview

Anthony Blake is in love with his best friend’s sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire network of British spies—including his own—has been stolen. To protect Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an honorable earl for the façade of a flirtatious playboy.Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the exotic land isn’t as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping his distance from her, she is stunned.She still loves him, and, in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her relationship with him if he won’t confide in her? Does she dare offer her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the India sun?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781504795128
Publisher:	Shadow Mountain Publishing
Publication date:	08/28/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.50(h) x 5.00(d)

About the Author

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of twelve novels, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. She has been a speaker at numerous writing conferences and events. She has a degree in Elementary Education and is the mother of three children.

Read an Excerpt

Anthony's heart pounded in his ears. Sophia. More beautiful, more radiant, more everything. His memories, hoarded and jealously reviewed in the quiet of his private hours over the last many months, hadn't done her justice. Before he did something foolish, like weep, he extended his hand and wondered what she was thinking as she stared at him, unblinking.

He cleared his throat. "Miss Elliot, such a surprise and delight to see you here." His restraint was tested to its fullest as he fought the urge to grab her from the carriage and clasp her close. There had been a time and place in their relationship when such overt affection would not have shocked those who knew the two of them well. That time had passed, though, and now all he could do was wait to see if she'd ever take his fingers and step out of the conveyance. He tried to smile but fell well short of the mark. His heart thumped and a sheen of sweat broke out on his forehead.

She regarded him with one raised brow. "I never took you for a coward." She spoke in an undertone he barely heard. She clasped his fingers and stepped out of the carriage. An ache in his chest bloomed and climbed into his throat and he felt his eyes burn.

He kept hold of her hand when he should have released it, tugging her closer by small degrees, trying in vain to truly read her. "I am a coward," he murmured.

After one…two…three long heartbeats, she withdrew her fingers from his and he was gratified to hear the slightest hitch in her breathing. She wasn't as unaffected as she probably wished him to believe.

Who could blame her for maintaining distance? He'd left her with the impression that they were very good friends and nothing more. He'd never confessed the depth of his feelings, his intentions to court her-she'd never learned the true reason he'd left. The devil of it was, he still wasn't at liberty to enlighten her. Until the business was finished, nobody could safely know the full extent of it.

"Sophia, I…that is…" He placed a finger under his collar, cursing the humidity, the starched shirtfront, the cravat, all of it.

Her expression brightened and she smiled. "It's been such a long while. I do hope you've enjoyed your adventures-I suspect we shall have time later at dinner, perhaps, and you can entertain me with your tales."

So that was how it was to be. He'd been relegated to the status of Admirer; he'd seen her use that voice and expression more times than he could count, on gentlemen whose feelings she didn't necessarily want to bruise, but whose attentions she didn't necessarily want to encourage. He supposed he was fortunate she hadn't smacked him upside the head with her fan-it was no less than he deserved.

Editorial Reviews

04/03/2017
Love is elusive in this chaste, page-turning early-19th-century romance. Anthony Blake, Earl of Wilshire, plans to offer marriage to Sophia Elliot, the sister of his friend Jack. But when his former superior at England’s war office asks him to locate and protect the Janus Document, which contains damaging information on him and other agents, Anthony knows that he must take the mission. He breaks off his association with Sophia, believing that she could be in danger because of her friendship with him. Two years later, Sophia joins one of the many Fishing Fleet expeditions, in which young Englishwomen traveled to India in hopes of meeting eligible English military men there. Anthony tracks the Janus Document to India and Captain Miller, who is a guest at the British Residency. When Anthony and Sophia reunite at the British Residency, he is reluctant to disclose the nature of his mission, though he works on rekindling their romance. Then Captain Miller goes missing and Sophia becomes embroiled in the search for him. Campbell Allen’s tale simmers with sweet romance, historical detail, and a dose of mystery. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"Allen's (Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, 2016) skill in creating evocative yet sweet romance novels will appeal to a wide range of readers. Allen's historical descriptions of India offer a vivid backdrop to a smart and striking work of romantic suspense. Fans of Marion Chesney will especially enjoy her novels."
Booklist "Top 10 Romance Fiction of the Year 2017"

starred review Booklist

"Fantastic novel with an intriguing plot, strong female characters, and an exotic setting....Beautiful Regency romance...set against a colorful British-occupied India backdrop. The change in setting is refreshing and adds additional layers of interest and intrigue."

Compass Book Ratings

"Drawing on historical practices and mindsets of the period, Allen depicts a striking contrast in the cultural differences between Britannia and an India struggling to assert herself, centering on a wounded heroine dealing with culture shock. Overall, a sweet romance with elements of suspense in a dreamily beautiful setting."

Historical Novel Society

"Sweet romance accompanied by an exciting mystery that builds to a satisfying end. The cast of characters is well drawn, and features a number of varied, strong women. The romance between Sophia and Anthony rebuilds itself in a lovely and compelling way. Well worth adding to your reading list."

Romantic Times

2017-06-20
After the man of her dreams breaks her heart, Sophia Elliot heads to India for a change of scenery and perhaps to find a husband, but she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery being investigated by her former beau.Sophia's life has been dramatic the past few years since her brother unexpectedly inherited a title that saved her family from poverty and servitude and became good friends with Anthony Blake, the Earl of Wilshire. Sophia and Anthony seem to share a special bond and be on the way to marriage when Anthony leaves town, leaving her a simple note that underlines their friendship. As reports trickle back that he's reverted to his old pleasure-seeking ways, Sophia decides she needs to leave England and joins "England's Fishing Fleet—the contingency of single Englishwomen who, unsuccessful at securing husbands in London, traveled yearly to India to appeal to England's military men and civil servants." When she gets to Calcutta, she's stunned to discover that Anthony is there, and despite the rumors of his being a wastrel, when a murder occurs soon after she arrives, Anthony seems to be very much the man in charge of the investigation. As truths come out about Anthony—an English secret agent searching for a dangerous stolen document—and other new friends and acquaintances, Sophia begins to believe she may have her happy ending after all. Allen's sequel to My Fair Gentleman (2016) is a sweet, creative Regency romance with just enough novelty to make it refreshing while still adhering to genre standards. Particularly recommended to readers who prefer clean (i.e. no sex) romance. A clever, engaging, India-set Regency romance.

Kirkus Reviews