The Emperor’s Conspiracy

The Emperor’s Conspiracy (2012) Michelle Diener

Set in England in 1811

Charlotte was saved from the Rookeries by Lady Howe, and has been debuted has her ward, but Charlotte has never forgotten her past, and maintains friendships and ties with those in the slums–although she does everything she can to pull others out of the poverty she escaped, with many of her old companions becoming servants for her and Lady Howe.

Initially, I had difficulty with the premise that not only would Lady Howe have saved Charlotte, but that she would also have allowed her to maintain her ties to the criminals of the past.

He touched his jacket, and she noticed for the first time that he was dressed like a delivery boy. He never dressed as well as he could afford to, but he never pretended to be something he wasn’t. He caught her stare and shrugged.

“Didn’t want the watchers to suspect me. So I delivered some vegetables to the kitchen. They’ll think I’ve stopped for a cuppa and a chat.”

But once I let that go, I found I did enjoy the story. (I read another book set in this time period by this author awhile ago, and quite enjoyed it, so I decided to pick up this earlier work.)

And I decided that Lady Howe was just a kind woman who allowed Charlotte to develop her own kindness.

Despite herself, she smiled.

“Stop that.” Catherine drew her farther away from the dance floor.

“Stop what?”

“That pitying way you have of looking at me, when you think I’m being foolish in protecting you. You deserve the same respect and protection as every other woman here. Never forget that.”

Edward never liked his sister’s husband, and so when Emma shows up on his doorstep (after Charlotte saves her from her husband’s disastrous dealings) Emma is uncertain of her reception, and so Charlotte offers to take Emma and her boys in.

I liked that Edward quickly realized he was a jerk, and apologized–to everyone. I also liked the Lady Howe was not inclined to trust him.

“I seem to have caused a stir last night at Lady Crowder’s ball. And my name is being linked to Miss Raven’s—”

“That isn’t her fault.” Catherine drew herself up, as if ready for battle.

“It is mine, and mine alone.” He spoke calmly.

I also liked that the mystery had a basis in historical fact–that Napolean wanted to bring down the British economy. Amusing and fascinating.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Simon and Schuster

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