About the book

Kate Tompkins would prefer Captain Lionel Trevalyon to the man whose marriage proposal she is considering, but his thoughts keep returning to Vaura. A jealous interruption by Major Delrose makes clear that Kate's own past and attachments are not easily put aside. From this opening confrontation, Savigny develops a society romance in which wealth can secure access without securing affection. Conversation is rarely innocent: hints about origins, insinuations about conduct, and carefully directed rumors give frustrated desires a means of retaliation. The subtitle's unruly member points toward the tongue and the damage talk can do. Amid fashionable gatherings and travel, Vaura and Trevalyon must contend with interpretations of their lives shaped by people who stand to gain from keeping them apart.

Gossip and reputation
Jealousy and manipulation
Wealth and affection

Why read it

The opening exchange makes social conversation an active instrument of rivalry rather than mere background to the romance.

English text

Contents and reading sections

About the book

Why read it

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