The Intrigue

Mannerling, the splendid family estate gambledaway by Sir Beverley, remains the passionate desire of his daughters. Beverleyhimself has died; the eldest daughter, Isabella-having failed in her bid toreclaim their home-is blissfully wed. The mantle of savior then falls to thenext eldest daughter, Jessica. How fortunate that the new owner of Mannerlinghas a marriageable son. In truth, Harry is a brutal lecher, a drunkard, and awastrel, but Jessica, blinded by determination, vows to secure a betrothal. Sheis barely aware of the attentions of handsome, charming Professor RobertSommerville, whose affection for Jessica is equaled only by the fear that herobsession to secure Mannerling will lead to disaster for all concerned. Asscandal and intrigue swirl around her, Jessica must discover where the heartfinds true happiness.