Book description
The streets of eighteenth-century Edinburgh, where disease and squalor
jostle with high culture and grand ambitions, are the setting for
Jessica Stirling's powerful new novel. On the brink of a disastrous
marriage Nicola Templeton finally rebels, and flees to Edinburgh to seek
refuge with her sister. Charlotte's own runaway marriage has already
turned their father into an implacable foe and it seems that Nicola too
may be cut off from her share of the Craigiehall estate if she does not
bow to his will. The bustling Georgian city, a hotbed of intrigue and
corruption, draws Nicola swiftly into its web. She is courted by Grant's
dashing young brother, Gillon, fresh home from fighting in the American
wars. Innocent country girl or not, she is not dazzled by Gillon's wit
or deceived by his promises, for Gillon is penniless, if no less
ambitious than his brother. Meanwhile, though, incensed by his
daughters' ingratitude, Lord Craigiehall has plans of his own for the
future of the Ayrshire estates. Plans that involve him with the
notorious society hostess, Lady Valerie Oliphant, and a pretty little
actress from London whose wiles are more than equal to his own.
