THE SUGAR PAVILION

From period-romancer Laker (The Venetian Mask, 1992; etc.), a tale of smuggling, the plight of ÇmigrÇ aristocrats during the French Revolution, the amours of the future George IV, and the art of the confectionery trade—all in the 1790's seaside resort of Brighton. Sophie Delcourt, orphaned daughter of a famous Paris confectionery owner, is hired on at a noble house—and barely escapes to England ahead of a bloodthirsty mob, with an ancient marquis and his four-year old grandson, Antoine, who is now, after päre has expired, the Comte de Juneau. But in England, Sophie is robbed, the marquis killed, and then the young woman is rescued by a dealer in art objects, the fascinating Tom Foxhill, and settles at last in Brighton with Antoine. Soon, she'll be entranced with the romance of oft-visiting Prince of Wales and his illegal marriage to Maria Fitzherbert. (Laker handles the silly prince with what could only be called courtesy.) Meanwhile, Sophie hires on at the royal Pavilion, eventually founds her own sweets shop, protects Antoine from a lethal relative, and does some snooping from the smuggler-busy coast. And there are suitors: Captain Rory Morgan- -earnest, upright, pursuing a deadly smuggling gang; and mysterious Tom Foxhill. (Could he be one of the gang?) Guess which one sends ``joy...coursing through her veins.'' Leisurely, long, stiff as a board in places, but with some yum-yum desserts.