The story begins in the South in 1875 and tells of Francesca
(“Chess”) Standish, raised to be a lady but at 30, the Civil War has left her
with only a rundown
plantation and a patent on her grandfather’s machine to make cigarettes. Once
her life was filled with laughter, now she is gray and glum. She wants to be
married and has all but given up hope until Nate Richardson comes along.
Nate is
smart, handsome and ambitious, and desperately wants to gain the patent for the
machine that makes cigarettes. When Chess, who is 8 years his senior, tells him
he can have the patent if he will marry her, he agrees.
Ever since
he was a teenager, Nate has been in love with the girl who became his brother’s
wife. He shows Chess no passion, believing she is not interested and finds his
pleasure elsewhere. Chess is so in love with him, she is willing to take the
crumbs he offers her. Chess is a heroine to love: brave, smart and willing to
wait for what she wants. She knows Nate doesn’t love her but she vows to become
the business partner he will respect. And she does, sharing with him his dreams
and his passion for the tobacco industry and helping his dreams become
reality.
Though he
admires her, Nate is not faithful. But a trip to London will show her the
affection she has long missed and awakens in her the girl she once was.
The story
reflects the author’s deep research into the tobacco industry in the South and
the era of the late Victorian period in London. She captures the life of the
idle rich as well as the Americans who led the development of new industries
and discoveries. Rich in detail, even as to fashion, with splendid characters,
including some actual historical figures, Ripley have given us a great tale.
You must wait till the very end for that happy ever after, but I assure you,
it’s coming.
I didn’t
want to put it down!
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