Discreet Detectives

Joss Melville almost eloped with the love of her life, but was forbidden to see him by her father, while Sam Dane was sent off to fight as a rifleman in the Peninsular War. Five years later, independently wealthy, she leases his family's London house, hoping to find him. Sam, now a hardened war veteran, is hired as groom for her horses but says his love for Joss has cooled. Yet he still cares about her, and helps her rescue a missing girl by impersonating first a lawyer, then a magistrate, and even a Bow Street Runner to aid her investigation. Is it possible Joss's patience, and her need of assistance, can reawaken in him the passion that still burns in her?

Between Christmas and the New Year Joss Dane has set up another investigation for the Discreet Detectives and surprises her husband Sam with the news as he is wondering how to find money for a new roof. This time Sam has to impersonate an under butler and Joss a kitchen maid. He is sure he is equal to his role but wonders if Joss will be able to take orders from anyone including Lord Tilden, who wants to know who is stealing his wine and brandy from a locked cellar. As they uncover other crimes and criminals, the wine quest turns dangerous, especially for Sam, and before the last mystery is solved, the couple gain a new respect for hard-working servants.

Joss Dane is not overly worried about her husband Sam going alone to London for the 1814 Peace Celebration until she gets a letter from his former commander telling him he must assassinate an innocent Quaker, an advocate for permanent peace. She rushes to the city to consult with Sam. Sam is staying at Dane House but cannot control his former captain or make sense of the minor official who wants to hire Sam to protect the Quaker. The suspicion that both Sam and the captain are having their strings pulled forces Sam to protect the innocent man on his own while looking for another target higher in public recognition. This might be the most critical case ever to confront the Discreet Detectives.