The forthcoming marriage of Venetia, eldest daughter of the Duke of Southport and “Beauty” Winchmore, is the talk of London society. The match has the full support of her parents, but just weeks before the wedding, Venetia breaks it off. She is unable to accept a future that will confine her to the home and not allow her to study medicine. Within weeks of her bold act, Venetia’s father has died, and she finds herself ostracized by her family. Left with a tiny allowance, her only choice is to attempt to qualify as a doctor. Meanwhile, her ex–fiancé’s new wife is whittling away his fortune amidst the worst recession of the century, and his sister Henrietta, married off to the Reverend Fortescue, falls in love with a local squire—a passion that seems destined to be unfulfilled. Another spellbinding installment in Cynthia Harrod–Eagles’ acclaimed Dynasty series.