It Began in Vauxhall Gardens Author:Jean Plaidy The fictional account of one of 19th century England's most notorious scandals, by one of Britain's premier historical novelists. — Vital, beautiful and dangerously impulsive, Melisande was the outcome of an illicit love affair between an aristocrat and a seamstress. After spending her early years in a convent, she was brought by he... more »r conscience-stricken father to his Cornish mansion, where she immediately attracted the attention of the rake Fermor, who was already engaged to her half-sister, Caroline.
Eager to escape his attention, Melisande sought refuge where she could find it; first with a young Frenchman who was a victim of the Revolution in his country, then with the rich and voluptuous Fenella, society dressmaker, hostess and friend of many notable men and women, and finally as a lady's maid to Mrs. Lavender. Here Melisande found shelter, but no permanent safety, for it was in the house of the Lavenders that events led her to the day when she stood trial for her life.
With this novel,, so full of excitement and mystery that it would seem incredible if it were not based on a true story. Jean Plaidy has created a fascinating portrait of one woman's tragic life.