Written in 1959 by a English author. The heroine has fallen on hard times, has been a governess and is about to become a companion. The tale includes meeting some of her old school chums. The hero, the brother of one of these, is attacked and loses his memory, whilst carrying a jewelled snuff box.

If you like Alice Chetwynd Ley also try Gail Eastwood, Emily Hendrickson, Barbara Metzger, Rosemary Stevens.

A book to buy and reread.

Alice Chetwynd Ley is an English author who wrote a number of Regency romances. Her books have stood the test of time and these days can be found mainly in Ulverscroft large print editions. This particular book, set in 1812, explores the Luddite attempts to prevent the new shearing frames being used and taking away men's work. The book is interesting for its use of accurate dialog "you mark my words", "What dost say? Will it suit?" which is often not found in American authors writing in this period. It's main characters are gentry rather than lords and ladies, a mill owner and a governess.

This book could have been better if the author would have spent more time on her two main characters and trying to get them together. What I really liked most about Eugenia was that she wasn't one of those great beauties that I usally read about but her fun-loving personality is what made her attractive. Sir Peter seemed a little weak to me I guess it's because he really didn't get his fair share of attention. I really don't see how they fell in love since they really didn't spend that much time together throughout the entire book. In my opinion I really think too much attention was being spent on the description of the scenery and other non-important character than on the main characters themselves. By the end of the book I got the feeling that it was written in a rush which is too bad because given a little more time on the two main characters (Eugenia and Sir Peter)it could have been a pretty good book.