The great misfortune of Stella Sedgwick
(Book)

Eighteen-year-old Stella Sedgwick is a lost cause. While 1860s England offers little opportunity beyond marriage for a sharp-tongued, dark-skinned housekeeper's daughter, Stella dreams of a writing career and independence. When her late mother's former employer-the wealthy Thomas Fitzroy-summons Stella to London, he bequeaths her one of the family's great estates on his deathbed. But such an inheritance will precipitate a legal battle, one that would be much easier if Stella were married. Suddenly thrust into lily-white London society with the goal of finding a husband, Stella also reunites with the Fitzroy heir Nathaniel, her childhood best friend, now somewhat of a stranger. But even though she doesn't want a husband, London presents other opportunities, like picking up her mother's old advice column, where "Fiona Flippant" anonymously guided readers through upper-class perils. It turns out the dresses and balls aren't so bad, though the stares and insults sometimes feel impossible to navigate. Things only grow more complicated with the attention of handsome suitors and Stella's increasingly tempestuous relationship with Nathaniel. As new opportunities arise and old secrets are uncovered, Stella must decide when to play by the rules, when to break them, and when to let herself follow her heart.