Jane and the Waterloo Map by Stephanie Barron

Their impossible affair only intensifies as Randolph Churchill's sanity frays, and Jennie-a woman whose every move on the public stage is judged-must walk a tightrope between duty and desire. Jennie is inescapably drawn to the brilliant and seductive Count Charles Kinsky-diplomat, skilled horse-racer, deeply passionate lover. But as the family's influence soars, scandals explode and tragedy befalls the Churchills. Artistically gifted and politically shrewd, she shapes her husband's rise in Parliament and her young son's difficult passage through boyhood. Raised to think for herself and careless of English society rules, the new Lady Randolph Churchill quickly becomes a London sensation- adored by some, despised by others. When the nineteen-year-old beauty agrees to marry the son of a duke she has known only three days, she's instantly swept up in a whirlwind of British politics and the breathless social climbing of the Marlborough House Set, the reckless men who surround Bertie, Prince of Wales. Age Newport and the Paris of the Second Empire-lived an outrageously modern life all her own, filled with controversy, passion, tragedy, and triumph. But Jennie-reared in the luxury of Gilded.

As Lady Randolph Churchill, she gave birth to a man who defined the twentieth century- her son Winston. Wealthy, privileged, and fiercely independent New Yorker Jennie Jerome took Victorian England by storm when she landed on its shores. and Jane is on the hunt for a treasure of incalculable value and a killer of considerable cunning. He utters a single failing phrase- 'Waterloo map'. The dying man, Colonel MacFarland, was a cavalry hero and a friend of Wellington's. However, before she can speak to HRH, Jane stumbles upon a body-sprawled on the carpet in the Regent's library. The chaplain is a fan of Jane's books, and during the tour he suggests she dedicate her next novel-Emma-to HRH, whom she despises. While she's there, the chaplain to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent invites Jane to tour Carlton House, the Prince's fabulous London home.

The crisis destroys Henry's health, and Jane flies to his London bedsi. The Battle of Waterloo has come and gone, leaving the British economy in shreds Henry Austen, high-flying banker, is about to declare bankruptcy-dragging several of his brothers down with him.

Jane And The Waterloo Map: Being a Jane Austen Mystery (Trade Paperback / Paperback)

Jane and the Waterloo Map by Stephanie Barron