Masquerade — Mary Kingsley

An exchange of glances with a condemned man about to be hanged in a London square unites Blythe Marden's fate with that of an actor framed for a murder, who takes Blythe on a quest for freedom.

Blythe is a proper young London lady's companion, until she is seized by the sight of a handsome, condemned actor about to be executed. When he makes a courageous escape, she dares to join him in his mad dash for freedom. Together they are thrust down a road fraught with danger and beset with peril--where only true love may have the power to save them!

In London, Blythe Marden sets out on an errand for her employer and finds herself entangled in the escape of a man about to be hanged. Unjustly accused and convicted of murder, actor Simon Woodley needs Blythe's help to escape. Fate draws the two into an unexpected adventure, and Blythe finds she quite likes the exciting turn her life has taken. But danger and treachery threaten, and as Simon tries to protect Blythe--even from himself--he only falls deeper in love with her, as she does with him. Unraveling the true reason behind the murder leads Simon to long-hidden secrets and the mystery of his birth.

Kingsley spins a well-crafted tale with fresh characters and a fascinating view of the theater in old England. Readers will cheer with satisfaction when proper Blythe evolves into a satisfyingly dashing heroine, more than a match for dangerous Simon.