Daring Debutantes

Even the inhabitants of secluded Nethercote looked pityingly upon young Henrietta, the vicar's sister; her plain features seemed to almost guarantee her a solitary future. And yet she had a determined spirit and magnificent hazel eyes. So when her great-aunt Hester left her unexpected wealth, Henrietta set out to conquer London's glittering high society and confound them all. But the fashionable elite was less than warm in its reception, especially when the newcomer, this bold minx, made clear her intention of winning the heart of one of society's most treasured gems: the irresistible, extravagant, heart-stopping Lord Beau Reckford, a prize wildly beyond her humble origins.

She had dared turn a cold shoulder to London's prize catch. She was a precocious American upstart who thought beauty, brains, and bravery were enough to conquer London society. Well, he'd show her! Nobody spurned Lord David Manley, the most eligible bachelor in town-not publicly, not privately. He was determined that she'd soon be trembling in his arms, desperately in love with the man she had dared mock. David Manley always got his way, and Miss Molly Maguire presented a challenge he couldn't resist. But Lord David had never met anyone quite like this headstrong heiress who fought like the devil, looked like an angel, and had all London society dangling on a string.In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are at once bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their mark on the world, be it within their social circle or extending beyond. With their arms wide open, these women are absolutely original and unforgettable, as are the tales in which they are featured.

Penelope-golden haired, azure eyed, fresh from the country-has stolen the heart of the most desirable Earl of Hestleton. Rich and startlingly handsome, he is the most eligible lord in the realm. He had planned to toy with her affections and then toss her aside, but when the earl discovers that he is a pawn in her aunt's social-climbing scheme, he begins to doubt Penelope's true love. Can the belle keep her beau, or will Aunt Augusta's ambitious plans force Penelope to flee?

She was a lady's maid who longed to be a lady. How else could Lucy Balfour hope to win the favor of Andrew, Viscount Harvey, the toast of the town, who seemed ready to take a bride at last? There was only one way to do it, and that was to command his attention. It seemed an impossible dream; first she had to become the peer of her own mistress, the coldly beautiful Lady Angela, who was determined to claim Andrew as her own. But there was Hamish MacGregor, the wily old butler, who promised to make Lucy's dream come true. With Lucy's unaccountable good luck at baccarat, they could win a fortune. With his cunning, they would conquer London society as "father" and "daughter" and meet the king himself! Having served the rich, he knew how they operated, and Hamish was determined to beat them at their own game. And having met Andrew Harvey, Lucy determined she would never be a servant again.

It's a maiden's miracle! Annabelle Quennell, daughter of a poor country parson, gets a chance at a London Season to snare a wealthy husband. But before she sets off, Mad Meg the Gypsy predicts trouble ahead, and it is nothing but woe that Annabelle finds. Godmother Lady Emmeline sponsors Annabelle's spree-and demands she wed the oafish Captain MacDonald. But things get worse when Annabelle fears she is losing her heart to Lord Varleigh-elegant, well-pursed, but who is taken by another mistress. What a pickle Annabelle had gotten into, and it only gets worse by the moment! In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their mark on the world, be it within their social circle or extending beyond. Here is life in all its folly, set out for us as we watch on this dizzying place where dreams are both shattered and made.

In any given glittering social season, Edwardian London's dizzying whirl had its share of surprises. The latest was Kitty Harrison, once achingly poor, suddenly an heiress and now, thanks to her determined mother, she was about to become a baroness. From the moment Kitty set eyes on Lord Chesworth she found him to be the most exciting man she had ever seen. But Kitty was young, innocent, and easily dazzled. She did not even question the motives of the dashing bachelor who swore he loved her even as he courted the scandalously beautiful Mrs. Jackson. All too soon Kitty's dream of marriage became a nightmare; someone was trying to kill her. Adrift in a sea of deception, Kitty soon realized that to save her life and win the only man she had ever loved, she would have to learn to play the game, only this time, her way: smarter, better-and for keeps.

She was an honored guest in a palatial country home. 'Aunt Mabel', a lovelorn columnist of Home Chats Magazine, had been summoned to prevent the Duchess of Dartware's son, Paul, from a marriage worse than death. Who would have guessed that behind Aunt Mabel's acid pen and ageless wisdom lurked eighteen-year-old Sally Blane; determined to make the handsome marquess her own. Who would have guessed that behind Aunt Mabel's acid pen and ageless wisdom lurked eighteen-year-old Sally Blane-determined to make the handsome marquess her own! But how could she compete, wearing false wrinkles and a white wig? It was a challenge worthy of Sally herself: conquer the upper crust of Dartware and enchant her newfound Prince Charming, without giving "Aunt Mabel's" secret away.