Is He Popenjoy?

First published in 1878, this novel follows Lord George Germain, younger brother of the absent Marquis of Brotherton, after he marries Mary Lovelace, a dean's daughter. Brotherton returns from Italy with an Italian marchioness and a frail child presented as Lord Popenjoy, the heir. London society and the household at Manor Cross debate the child's legitimacy, while Mary learns the cost of a title, a jealous husband, and a predatory family friend. The question of the succession organizes visits, lawsuits, and drawing-room war. The book is a political-domestic novel of inheritance, not a detective story.

Quarter-bound in red buckram with a blocked design, pink paper covers. Dark red slipcase.