Showing results by author "Beryl Matthews" in All Categories

London, 1912. Identical twins Lester and Lillia Holdsworth are destined for the stage. Lester is a brilliant pianist, Lillia a magnificent opera singer. But their father has other ideas. Lester is sent to a military academy while Lillia must marry Lord Dalton - a self-righteous, pompous friend of her father's looking for a young wife to give him an heir. Yet their plans to defy their father's wishes are put on hold when war breaks out in 1914.

Hampshire, 1850. Under the watchful eyes of her guardian, Lord Edward Sharland, and an excellent estate manager, Beth Langton has been running her large family estate. After a week away, terrible news is waiting for her. The father of her best friend, Lady Helen Denton, has shot himself, leaving Helen destitute. Beth persuades Helen to live with her, although too proud to take charity, Helen insists she work as a paid companion. The girls soon settle happily together, but further tragedy awaits.

Major Harry Sterling has had to leave his regiment after the death of his father and brother. Now Duke of Ranliegh, it is his duty to marry without delay. His friend Captain Atterton makes a surprise appearance, and the men are drawn into a web of treachery. Someone is supplying secrets to Napoleon, and Harry also discovers that his brother did not die in an accident, but was murdered. The investigation proves dangerous, and the elderly duchess is fearful that her grandson will be killed before he has produced an heir.