At the start of this lyrical medieval-era romance from Delacroix (The Warrior
, etc.), Lady Madeline of Kinfairlie refuses to marry after the loss of her betrothed, presumed dead in the French wars. Desperate for a wedding that could help hold the family estate together, Madeline's brother, Alexander, decides to auction her off. The Scottish nobles assembled for the sale are outbid by Rhys FitzHenry, a mercenary and reputed traitor whose only insignia is the Welsh dragon. Rhys seeks not just any bride but Madeline in particular to secure his claim to his Welsh estate. Though at first she's determined to evade Rhys and stay true to the memory of her late betrothed, Madeline soon finds herself coming to admire the gruff, silver-tongued soldier, whose wonderful stories are perhaps the best parts of the book. Alexander's harsh decision and the willingness of Madeline's cold and unfeeling family to participate in auctioning her off, on top of every character's irritating tendency not to explain his or her actions, may put off readers before the action truly begins. Those who stick with it, however, will be rewarded. They'll root for Rhys and Madeline, a plucky, sensible couple who more than make up for the thinly drawn supporting cast. Despite the somewhat bland packaging (and uninspired title), this is one of Delacroix's stronger novels in recent years. Agent, Dominick Abel. (Jan.)
