Frances Lynch: The Fine and Handsome Captain

The Fine and Handsome Captain by Frances Lynch was published by Fawcett in 1975 (though I believe that the paperback copy is closer to 1977/8). Hester Malpass was an orphan working at a railway restaurant. She meets a balloonist who knows about her past and soon she is on a quest to confront its secrets.

Allan Kass illustrates a very Victorian cover with our couple standing near a balloon launch. Our heroine is dressed in the latest fashion with her bustle gown and umbrella to guard against the sun's rays. It's as much fun looking at the detail of the other people on this cover. The colors seem muted and almost faded.