Pansys Duty

Do not read this book if you like a short read.  This tome is 360,000 words long. 

If you decide to consider it, this is a Clean Regency Romance. Pathenia (Pansy) Barraclough is the oldest of 11 children from a noble family of straightened  means. Her only distinguishing characteristic, is her hair which is a very unusual red auburn colour. She consents to marry Baxter Frankland, Viscount Elkstone, whom she has never met, upon the basis that her father will receive  a substantial settlement which will relive her father of his most pressing financial concerns and, in return she will undertake the task of bringing back Elstone Hall, which her husband has recently inherited from the brink of ruin.  On the day of her marriage, and within minutes of arriving at her new home, her husband is called away only to return some weeks later. bleeding from a bullet wound in his shoulder.  It becomes clear that there is something odd about Elkstone Hall. The previous Viscount who was supposed to be bedbound was found dead, having drunk a large amount of brandy and having apparently fallen from his horse. Stolen goods are found in a hidden cache. Another person arrives claiming to be the true heir to the Viscountcy and the local people seem terrified of something.

Pansy must untangle the conflicting stories and at the same time support her husband who proves to be a good man with a bad temper and at the same time navigate a Royal Command to dine with the Price Regent whom she discovers wishes to appoint her as his mistress.