First published 1984
Daphne faces the pressures of London's social season as her family pushes her toward an advantageous marriage. The spirited young woman must balance her own desires against society's rigid expectations for women of her class. As she encounters various suitors at balls and social gatherings, Daphne discovers that finding true love proves far more complicated than simply accepting the most eligible bachelor. Her journey through the elaborate rituals of Regency courtship forces her to examine what she truly wants from life and marriage. The story explores the tension between personal happiness and social duty that defined women's choices in early nineteenth-century England. Daphne must ultimately decide whether to conform to her family's wishes or follow her heart, even if it means risking her reputation and future security.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adult-fiction, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, social-duty-vs-personal-happiness
Setting: London
Period: Early 19th Century, Regency Era
171 pages · Hardcover · St Martin's