A Heartless Design

A Heartless Design, a Secrets of the Zodiac spy regency novel by Elizabeth Cole, 2013

This is an excellent example of a Regency novel that adds a spy element to give it drama, suspense, and danger.

Cordelia Bering, 27, supports her aunt and herself by posing as engineer boat designer Mr. Lear. Her father taught her about engineering, and she has a natural aptitude for it. She was once engaged, but he died, and she doesn’t want to give up her independence by marrying a controlling husband. She also hires ex-convicts for servants to give them a second chance, something else a husband wouldn’t approve of.

Sebastien Thorne, was the second son, but has inherited the title of earl. He was in the military and was recruited as a spy in the Zodiac organization. He is given the assignment of finding the plans to the Andraste, a metal hull ship. Cordelia has designed the ship, but no one knows that.

At a party Sebastien notices Cordelia, and they kiss in the garden where he is picking up a secret message. He wonders if she is a spy. In a spy novel, no one trusts the other person. During the party, someone breaks into Cordelia’s study and steals the plans, but she has additional drawings hidden.

Cornelia and Sebastien are thrown together during different parties and outings, and they must determine if they can trust each other. When she is attacked at a party, Sebastien rescues her. She doesn’t wait for someone else to solve her problems but can’t avoid being kidnapped. Plenty of action follows. At least one bad guy gets away to possibly return in a future story, and another young man makes a mysterious appearance and disappearance.

Cole balances the hero and heroine’s suspicions against each other and works toward trust and deeper feelings. After internal conflicts are resolved, they have to face the external conflicts.

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