The Banishment (Daughters of Mannerling, Book 1) - Softcover

M. C. Beaton (aka - Marion Chesney) has won international acclaim for her bestselling 'Hamish Macbeth' mysteries and the 'Agatha Raisin' mystery series. She is also the author of more than one hundred romance titles and a series of romantic suspense novels, the 'Edwardian Mystery' series. Born in Scotland, she now divides her time between Paris and the English Cotswolds.

The very wealthy Beverley family lives at Mannerling, an extraordinary, opulent mansion that is considered the most magnificent house in England. Sir William and Lady Beverley have six daughters who are the most beautiful specimens of the female species. The Beverleys never think of, nor worry about money, as they have so very much; the girls have their own maids and they never lift a finger to do anything. Everything and everyone is taken for granted. Isabella, the eldest, has her season in London, but no one offers for her. Her suitors found her boring but she and her family believe that no one is good enough. All she ever talked about was her home; the only thing any of them care about is their precious home. Viscount Fitzpatrick has bought the property next door to the Beverley's and he makes their acquaintance. He asks Isabella to go riding with him, and she accepts, to practice flirting so she can snare a husband, and she finds that she likes him. Her parents warn her that he is an Irish peer and not suitable for her. Fitzpatrick sees through her beauty and he sees her pride as her downfall. He cautions her that life can change and families like hers can find themselves poor. Her father gambles and loses everything to Mr. Judd, a most disgusting little man. The Beverleys must vacate Mannerling immediately. They all plot to get Mannerling back by Isabella marrying Mr. Judd. Judd, a gambler himself, takes Isabella out for a ride and runs the carriage through the gate which is not wide enough and the carriage is stuck. He leaves her there and goes for help, but he gets involved with a card game and forgets about her. Fitzpatrick comes to her rescue, and he asks her to marry him. She refuses and tells him why. At home, the Beverleys are wondering aloud about the fate of Mr. Judd and he overhears the conversation, including their plan for Isabella to marry him. He sets out to humiliate the entire family by lavishly courting Isabella and then telling her he will make an announcement at the ball he is giving. At the ball, he makes his startling announcement, he will marry the vicar's daughter. Isabella is relieved. In all this time she has learned some valuable lessons and she has grown to be a kind, caring and considerate person. She thinks about her family's behavior and how humiliating and embarrassing it is; she thinks she was stupid to give sway to her family to do their bidding. She thinks about Fitzpatrick, and what a handsome and good man he is; she thinks about how she treated him and how she has lost his friendship. How much has their haughty attitude and pride contributed to their banishment? Will Lord Fitzpatrick give Isabella another chance to prove her worthy? Has Isabella accepted her new station in life, and can she swallow her foolish pride for the man she loves?Ms. Chesney has developed her characters with great skill and accuracy ! The Banishment is a strong and solid story! Marion Chesney has written a vivid tale that you will not soon forget! Wonderful, touching! A superb tale by Marion Chesney!Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times