Fate Cannot Harm Me — J.C. Masterman

Anthony Newton has fallen hopelessly in love with the beautiful Cynthia, and feels desperate to secure her hand, putting an end to his carefree bachelor days. But there is one small problem. Cynthia is only nineteen, and Anthony, at thirty-six, is thought rather too old for her. Tearing himself from her side, Anthony goes on a great Arctic adventure, purely for the purpose of giving Cynthia time to be young, and test his own feelings towards her. For the three years he is away battling the elements, Anthony's greatest fear is that his dear Cynthia will find love with another in his absence.



On returning to London Anthony finds himself dangerously out of the social loop. Luckily, his good old friend Monty is ready to catch him up on all that has happened while he was away. Monty slowly unfolds a tale of frustrated love, rivalry, and social scheming. Anthony hangs on his every word, desperate to know if his heart's desire will be fulfilled. But as it becomes clear that Cynthia is now the object of more than one man's affection, he may have to get in line.



First published in 1935, Fate Cannot Harm Me is witty, engaging and delightful.