A Brilliant Alliance

by Elizabeth Jackson

When Miss Caroline Wentworth's father died, it was found that he had, as the saying goes, brought an abbey to a grange. Caroline, her sister Julia and their mother were forced to sell not only Wyndham Priory, but the Wentworth jewels as well. The Priory was purchased by Mr. Robert Neville, known as The Nonpareil, a very wealthy man who already had several residences. Neville had known the house in the past and wanted to see it restored to its former beauty. The family removed to the London townhouse so that Julia could have a Season in London before the town house had to be sold as well, after which they would have to live with Aunt Needham in Bath. Neither Julia (pretty, petted and spoiled) nor her mama (who grudged no effort for her children, as long as she didn't actually have to do anything) handled their change in fortune well; it was up to Caroline, the sensible one, to deal with every difficulty. For help she often turned to Mr. Bertram Lacey, a young man who had grown up near t