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Mills & Boon announces Duchess of York’s second historical romance
Mills & Boon has announced the second historical romance novel by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
Last year the Duchess revealed on Radio Four’s “Front Row” that she had signed another book deal with the publisher just days after the release of her first novel, Her Heart for a Compass, which was written with co-author Marguerite Kaye, and is based loosely on the life of the Duchess’ ancestor, Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott.
Her next novel will be called A Most Intriguing Lady and will be published in the UK on 30th March 2023. It will also be published by William Morrow in the US on 7th March 2023. UK and Commonwealth rights were negotiated by Rachel Kahan, executive editor at William Morrow, with Lacy Lynch at Dupree/Miller & Associates.
A Most Intriguing Lady is inspired by Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, who is the younger sister of the protagonist of her first novel. The publisher described the second novel as a “journey of intrigue, scandal and – of course – romance”. Mary, a fiercely intelligent Lady of Queen Victoria’s court, is a wallflower who spends her days solving scandalous society crimes. When she meets Colonal Walter Trefusis, an unlikely alliance is formed. And Mary must battle convention and custom to solve the most important case of all – the matter of her heart’s desire.
The Duchess of York said: “Like my first historical novel, my second is inspired by one of my ancestors – Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, sister to the heroine of the first book, Lady Margaret. I was struck when delving into my family history by what little trace these strong, red-headed women had left behind, and wanted to give them a voice.
“A Most Intriguing Lady inhabits the same world as Her Heart for a Compass, reflecting real people and real events, but is much more of a detective story, with Lady Mary investigating crimes in high society. Of course, there’s romance too, and duty and heritage are pitted against the desires of the heart.
“I was proud and honoured when Her Heart for a Compass made the Sunday Times bestseller list and I hope readers enjoy this novel, which my collaborator Marguerite Kaye and I think is our most intriguing yet.”
