A Sinner Without a Saint

Bennett’s fourth Pennington romance introduces complicated gay characters who face down social conventions in 19th-century England. Incorrigibly glib Sinclair “Dulcie” Milne faces extreme pressure to marry well from his father, Lord Milne. He is goaded into betting that he can woo Polly Adler and inherit her grandfather’s extensive art collection, but his interests lie elsewhere—with his former schoolmate and artist, Benedict Pennington. Benedict engages in a parallel campaign to convince the Adlers to found a public art museum with their collection. The two men share a deep attraction, butting heads as they meet socially and Dulcie canvasses for Benedict’s brother’s parliamentary campaign. Impressed by the artistic realism of Benedict’s work, Dulcie talks Benedict into painting his portrait. The more serious, relationship-minded Benedict uses their posing sessions to wear down Dulcie’s flippancy and draw him into a hesitant romance. Several twists and turns delay their happy ending. This pleasing romance highlights the complications of premodern gay desires, rounding out its story with precise historical flair and genuine feelings. (BookLife)