The Ghost of Spring by Mel Stone ★★★★☆

The book starts on the night that 19 year old Mary Fletcher’s father is dying.

While the impecunious Baron Fairley’s life draws to a close, his heir Jonathan is downstairs carousing with his friends and auctioning off his sister’s virtue.
Mary’s maid runs to the house of the elderly Duke of Fenwick, begging for help.

Luke, Duke of Fenwick may be old but he is definitely not lacking spirit. He races to assist. Using a special license, he offers marriage, is accepted, consent is given by the last words of the Baron and the Vicar attending the deathwatch performs the ceremony.

 
As Mary’s husband he has the right to protect her and so he does. In her new home she finds security and grandfatherly affection.
Also in residence is Henry, the steward and her childhood friend. He is also in love with Mary!

When Luke is murdered, he is determined to have the last word. There are major revelations in his will.

Mary, now the dowager Duchess find herself haunted by a determined ghost, who demands that she finds the Duke’s murderer.

The characters are engaging. Luke is such a lovely man, though very naughty!

Henry is steadfast and kind.

Jonathan and dowager Baroness Naomi are utterly appalling.

Very good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

Amazon review