copyright 2002; 1st year edition; Bantam Books publishers, New York; hardbound with black and denim blue boards and gilt lettering on spine; very good condition of book; illustrated dust jacket very good.
 
Plot -
As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren't enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake from the other women of London's fashionable Claremont Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart.  Lavinia is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and physical appeal.  Nobody knows this better than the usually coolheaded Tobias March, who seems to have fallen hoplessly under her spell.  Fortunately for all, however, Lavinia uses her powers for good...While mythology's Medusa could turn men to stone, lovely Celeste was more accustomed to turning them to jelly...