Freddie Dewhurst is a dandy, with a capital D-A-N-D-Y. Attire, attitude, and appearance are everything. Appearances, however, can be deceiving, and behind Freddie's puffed-up façade is a loyal British spy. Who, then, could be a worse match for him than an uncouth, uncultured, unfashionable American?
Charlotte Burton has no love for the British. More like raging hatred. They are, after all, responsible for the deaths of her father and brother. It is only under the most desperate of circumstances that she ventures to London to make one last effort to restore her finances.
On the day of her arrival she gets caught in the middle of a spy-hunt. Her family friend--the sought after spy--escapes, promising to return for her but leaving her in the custody of two British spies. Namely Freddie and his cousin. Freddie's mission is to capture the escaped spy before the traitor can sell vital British codes to the French. Charlotte's is to protect her friend--and herself--from yet another British-inflicted fate.
Freddie's superior at the Foreign Office comes up with a plan to draw the spy out: Freddie and Charlotte will pretend to be married and madly in love. Though neither likes the idea, they finally agree that this is the only way for both to get what they want. Freddie will get the spy that holds British lives in his grasp. Charlotte will get one thousand pounds for her troubles and the assurance that Freddie will give her friend a fair chance at proving his innocence.
The sham marriage soon turns steamy as Freddie's kisses make Charlotte forget why she hates the British and Charlotte's fire and vitality make Freddie long to break rules he'd always held so sacred. Despite meddling mothers, battles of wit, and years of pride and prejudice Freddie and Charlotte draw closer and closer as the charade continues. And when it comes down to it, each will have to make the choice between love and country.
A sensual and seductive tale, Pride and Petticoats weaves together intrigue, passion, and a nobly flawed hero and heroine that come to life and beg to be read with the same investment of emotion that both characters must make in the end. If you are looking for a masterpiece of historical romance lyrically told and fiery enough to singe your fingers, then look no further than Pride and Petticoats.
