Eliza Stanhope

The engagement of Julia to Richard Beaumont is the event of the year at the Hampshire estate of Julia's parents in 1814. But for Eliza Stanhope, Julia's cousin and childhood companion, it is a matter for scorn not congratulations. Surely one should marry for love and not for social advantage? However, Richard's presence brings the unexpected consequence of meeting his younger brother, Francis. Francis is newly returned from the Peninsular war, accompanied by a delightful fellow officer and friend, Pelham Howell. In the first of these new acquaintances Eliza meets a spirit as fierce as her own, in the second a charm and devotion she never thought to receive.