FOR THE LOVE OF THE QUEST

Two very different women go on a quest that changes them forever.

Lady Edith Darling, a 27-year-old spinster from a wealthy family, secretly plans to fulfill her grandmother’s dream of finding Excalibur and proving the truth of the Arthurian legend. Her adventures begin when she’s robbed at gunpoint by a tough, attractive highwaywoman who’s just the person to help in her search. Continuing to London, Edith arrives at the home of the Sunless Syndicate and demands to see the boss. Taken to Thomasin Shaw, the woman who accosted her, she pitches her idea for a quest that will make them both rich. Thomasin, who finds Edith adorable, agrees to accompany her but has a secret plan to ransom her to her father against the advice of Worthing, the second-in-command who’s eager to replace Thomasin. With Worthing and newcomer Jay, the women set off for Slaughterbridge, where Thomasin expects to find treasure, though Edith knows will only be the first stop on a long road. On the way, Edith schools Thomasin in history, and the highwaywoman, admiring her bravery, becomes even more attracted to her. When they reach the delivery point for the ransom, Thomasin follows along in pursuit of clues they find in a cave after Edith tells the truth, solves puzzles, and is wounded by a booby trap meant for Thomasin. Their adventures become increasingly dangerous, especially as Worthing plots against them. The naïve and innocent Edith is sexually awakened and begins to fall in love, while Thomasin finds herself changing to protect the woman she’s come to love.

An exciting historical tale of adventure and a love story that defies social mores.