Identical twins, sensible Delia and mischievous Cassandra Effington were the most delicious debutantes to ever waltz across a London ballroom. They looked alike in every way . . . but no one ever expected Delia to be the one to get into trouble . . . How did this young lady's reputation become so questionable? Once she was lovely, respectable Miss Delia Effington, but an impulsive decision—and subsequent disaster—forces Delia to retire from society. Until one night, desperate for diversion, she attends a ball as her twin sister and finds herself dancing in the strong arms of the dashing Viscount St. Stephens. Delia believes she has never met this man who arouses her passions, yet he seems somehow familiar. For Delia doesn't know that St. Stephens, an agent for the Crown, has been in her home, protecting her under the disguise of her butler. What will happen when this lady discovers the truth about the man she has come to love?

Wilkie Collins' 'The Law and The Lady' is a riveting mystery thriller classic that delves into the complexities of legal and social norms in Victorian England. The narrative follows the strong-willed heroine, Valeria Woodville, as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's mysterious past. Collins masterfully weaves intricate plot twists and suspenseful elements, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation. With its sophisticated writing style and nuanced character development, 'The Law and The Lady' stands out as a hallmark of Victorian detective fiction. The novel addresses themes of gender roles, marriage, and justice, reflecting the societal concerns of the time period. Wilkie Collins' background as a legal clerk and his deep interest in psychology likely influenced the intricate legal and psychological elements present in the book, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Recommended for fans of classic mystery novels and historical fiction enthusiasts, 'The Law and The Lady' is a must-read for those who appreciate a well-crafted plot and complex characters.

This book was first published in 1999. This collection of essays by leading scholars from Britain, the USA and Canada opens up the limited landscape of Victorian novels by focusing attention on some of the women writers popular in their own time but forgotten or neglected by literary history. Spanning the entire Victorian period, this study investigates particularly the role and treatment of 'the woman question' in the second half of the century. There are discussions of marriage, matriarchy and divorce, satire, suffragette writing, writing for children, and links between literature and art. Moving from Margaret Oliphant and Charlotte Mary Yonge to Mary Ward, Marie Corelli, 'Ouida' and E. Nesbit, this book illuminates the complex cultural and literary roles, and the engaging contributions, of Victorian women writers.

In the 1890s one phrase above all stood as shorthand for the various controversies over gender that swirled throughout the period: “the New Woman.” In New Women fiction, progressive writers such as Sarah Grand, George Egerton, and Ella D’Arcy gave imaginative life to the plight of modern women—and reactionaries such as Grant Allen attempted to put women back in their place. In all the leading journals of the day these and other writers argued their cases in essays, letters, and reviews as well as in fiction. This anthology brings together for the first time a representative selection of the most important, interesting, and influential of New Woman writings.