The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

The 3 Rules of the Wisteria Society are:

1. No killing civilians
2. Pour the tea before the milk
3. No stealing each other’s houses

This author might quickly become a favorite after this hilarious adventure with pirates, scoundrels, assassins, mad men, and Queen Victoria herself making an appearance. It is highly recommended that you have the next book in this series (The League of Gentlewomen Witches) on hand for when you finish this book. Cecilia Bassingthwaite is desperately wanting to be inducted to the high tea table of the Wisteria Society, the society that raised her and taught her how to fight, steal, and fly houses. After watching her father kill her mother Cecilia followed her mother’s dying instructions and ran to the Wisteria Society. Raised by her “aunts” mainly Aunt Jemima Darlington Cecilia has been a proper scoundrel, not a pirate, and raised in the way of the society. Cecilia’s Aunt Armitage has hired an assassin to kill her, and Ned Lightbourne (one of his many names) is the one who takes the job, but with the job of bringing Cecilia to her father, and a third job to keep Cecilia away from her father, Ned has some challenges ahead of him. Cecilia is delighted she has an assassin after her, but disappointed that Ned seems to be so inept at being an assassin. Of course the Society has a secret agent inside that is helping Captain Patrick Morvath get his daughter and seek revenge on one who he feels most wronged him. Hijinks ensue and the Wisteria Society proves why they are proper ladies while being scoundrels the entire time, including at Queen Victoria’s party. Ned’s surprise for Cecilia, with the help of Pleasance, is the perfect way to show how much he cares about Cecilia (and will send most readers into a fantasy similar to Beauty and the Beast fantasy about a prince giving you a library).  

Character List/Book Summary:

Cecilia Bassingwaithe – parents are Patrick and Cilla, raised by her aunts in the Wisteria Society after her mother’s death. Loves reading in part because she did not have a normal education due to her aunts being her teachers instead. Is eager to explore a library that is about to be shut down. Has some memories of her childhood home, but they were not happy ones due to her father. 

Ned Lightbourne – looks like a pirate, with an anchor tattoo, warns Cecilia about Lady Armitage hiring an assassin and having 7 days to kill her. Ghost of Cilla reminded him of promises he made during after Morvath killed his parents. Finds Cecilia attractive, and suspects she is at the heart of what is going on with Morvath and the Wisteria Society. Known as Ned Smith in Her Majesty’s Secret Service, where he is a Captain, and sworn to keep Cecilia out of her father’s hands.  

Captain Patrick Morvath – wants Cecilia brought to him alive and unharmed before the Queen’s Jubilee. Writes horrible poetry, and after being betrayed by women he wants to deny all women all rights. Escapes  in a tiny shed during the battle and reappears in time to try and ruin the Jubilee.

Jemima Darlington – raised Cecilia, saying she was her mother’s sister, kidnapped along with the rest of the Wisteria Society (minus Cecilia) by Morvath. Stayed trapped only to rest and get meals until learning of Cecilia being kidnapped too. Patrick’s mother, who he feels deprived him of his heritage of poetry, but she is not sure who his father really is. 

Pleasance – maid/cook, is working on the flight incantation spell. Ghosts tell her that Morvath will steal Darlington’s house/ship while she is at tea. During the battle takes a half dead Jemima to a hidden room and defends her when someone tries to enter. 

Alex O’Riley – pirate smuggler and friend to Ned. Warns Ned about staying away from Morvath and offer help if he needs it. Shows up during the Battle because he was watching out for Ned. Warns Cecilia not to hurt Ned’s heart. 

Muriel Fairweather – her butler absconded with her house and a meeting of the Wisteria Society is called. Morvath’s inside person is a Fairweather, but Cecilia thinks it is Jane and not her aunt. The Wisteria Society deals with the traitor in a manner that is true lady like and scoundrel all at the same time. 

Constantinopla Brown – Anne Brown’s granddaughter, thought Ned was her fencing instructor at school (he was but Cecilia did not attend school as the royal guard thought she would). Shot at the Darlington House as it was landing because the correct signal was not given. Tricks Tom Eames into proposing to her, and wants to help Cecilia get revenge on Morvath. Bring Queen Victoria and her castle to the Battle.

Cilla Bassingthwaite – Cecilia’s mother, ran away from Morvath with Cecilia and went to the Wisteria Society. Made Ned promise to make the world a better place for her daughter when she helped Ned escape Morvath as a child.

Jane Fairweather – debuted but has not robbed a bank so she cannot be inducted to the Wisteria Society. encouraged Cecilia out of the tea shop and to a library that might be shutting down when the Wisteria Society was kidnapped. Helps Alex, Ned, and Cecilia escape Morvath.

Frederick Bassingwaithe – Cecilia’s cousin and Morvath has promised him to marry Cecilia. Goes with Jane during the Battle and falls in love with her. 

Tom Eames – claims he was not aware of Constantinopla’s true age and does not recall proposing to her, but does adore her. Helps teach Queen Victoria how to fly her castle into battle. 

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