Publisher's Synopsis
""The Indiscretion of the Duchess"" is a novel by Anthony Hope that tells the story of two women, a nobleman, and a necklace. The plot revolves around the Duchess of Datchet and her friend Lady Barbara Neave, who both fall in love with the same man, Lord Harry Norland. The story takes place in the late 19th century, and the characters are members of the British aristocracy.The Duchess, who is married to an older man, becomes infatuated with Lord Harry and begins an affair with him. Lady Barbara, who is also in love with Lord Harry, is devastated when she discovers the affair. However, she decides to help the Duchess by stealing a valuable necklace that belongs to her husband and giving it to Lord Harry as a gift.The theft of the necklace sets off a chain of events that leads to scandal and intrigue. The Duchess's reputation is ruined, and she is forced to leave her husband and live in exile. Lady Barbara, meanwhile, is consumed with guilt over her role in the affair and becomes a recluse.The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. It also provides a glimpse into the social mores and customs of the British aristocracy during the Victorian era. Overall, ""The Indiscretion of the Duchess"" is a compelling and engaging read for fans of historical fiction and romance novels.1894. Hope was a barrister who gave up the law after the success of his novel The Prisoner of Zenda. This book begins: In accordance with many most excellent precedents, I might begin by claiming the sympathy due to an orphan alone in the world. I might even summon my unguided childhood and the absence of parental training to excuse my faults and extenuate my indiscretions. But the sympathy which I should thus gain would be achieved, I fear, by something very like false pretenses. For my solitary state sat very lightly upon me-the sad events which caused it being softened by the influence of time and habit-and had the recommendation of leaving me, not only free to manage my own life as I please, but also possessed of a competence which added power to my freedom. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
