The Complaint of the Dove — Hannah March

Georgian London, 1760. A world of high fashion and even higher spirits--but also of squalid back alleys, violent quarrels, and shadowy intrigues.

It is private tutor Robert Fairfax's mission to see that troublesome Matthew Hemsley matures into a fine, young gentleman and that he comes to no harm during his first season in London. But Matthew is soon smitten with Miss Lucy Dove, the toast of Covent Garden's stage. And, after saving her from a crazed attacker, he receives an invitation to Lucy's private apartments. In the morning, she is found strangled--and Matthew is found on her doorstep in a drunken blackout.

Now, Fairfax must save his young pupil--and his own livelihood and reputation. For one thing, if Lucy already had a lover of great wealth and standing, why did she summon Matthew? For another--unless the real murderer is caught--Matthew will surely hang.