Temptation of Torilla

The Marquis of Havingham visits his mother in Harrogate to tell her he intends to marry Lady Beryl Fern, the most acclaimed beauty in thePrince Regent?s circle. This should be the happiest day of his life ?he is handsome, fabulously wealthy and now about to be a bridegroom.There is only one cloud on the horizon ? he is not in love.Convinced that true love is not worth the heartache, and thatmarriage to the ?Incomparable? Lady Beryl, will work because of theirshared interests and position amongst the Beau Monde, only his motheris worried that he may be making a terrible mistake. For Torilla,the daughter of a clergyman working in the deprived mining village ofBarrowfield, the news of the wedding means travelling South to be hercousin, Lady Beryl?s, bridesmaid. Torilla is excited, not only aboutthe wedding, but also the opportunity to return to the genteel parishshe and her father left after the tragic death of her mother. For ayoung woman who has spent time amongst the grime and squalor of themines, the lavish preparations and generosity of her cousin seem attimes almost overwhelming. But as the wedding draws ever nearerTorilla cannot help wondering how attached the betrothed couple really are to each other. Their relationship is certainly nothing like theperfect soul mates that the cousins used to dream of. Afraid toquestion her cousin, Torilla unknowingly shares the same concerns asthe Marquis? mother. Can a marriage really work that is based only onconvenience? And as Torilla gets to know the Marquis better shebecomes even more convinced that this is not a match made in heaven.But will anyone be brave enough to say something? With her feelings in turmoil and filled with concern for the future happiness of all,Torilla certainly hopes so.