Publisher's Synopsis
Charles Martin is having his usual difficulties with his ex-wife and the management of the Martindale Iron & Coal Company. His problems grow when he is forced to allow his viewer, Sam Watson, to retire. Who can possibly take the viewer's place? Helmuth Schilling has returned from the American Civil War, but will he ever get his memory back? His wife, Caroline, fears that he may not. Elysia Scott-Wilson, the Marchioness of Studland has become determined to make herself popular with the ladies of the town, especially with Lady Marian Martin. Though the ladies in question continually ask themselves why she should wish to do so. As well as this Elysia finds that her father is to return from the United States with a bride to be. What can she do about this state of affairs?Frank Turner's unhappiness with his wife, Abigail, continues, though his relationship with his childhood sweetheart; Rosemary Spence, is becoming ever closer. Abigail, meanwhile continues her on-off relationship with the actor Roderick Villiers.Villiers now lives with his wife Roberta in the house of her brother, the schoolmaster, John Fisher. It turns out that the actor is soon to become a father. Can he stand both Bobbity and a new born baby at the same time. The thoughts of Richard Turner settle on the idea of a career in politics, much encouraged by his wife Jane. This becomes more immediate when the local Member of Parliament dies and a by-election is expected to he held.Early in the story Sarah Nicholson, the widow of Jack is faced with a difficult decision and hopes that she has made the correct one.Back in Gettysburg, Major Gideon Sturgis (who saved the lives of Fred and Amelia Schilling) is residing comfortably on parole with his wife Grace. However, dark clouds soon darken his life when the shooting of the deserter Lieutenant Eldred Matheson is investigated.Thomas Leakey, the 'Deacon' is living in Italy but intends to return to seek his revenge using a new identity provided by Peter Twiss.Young George Murphy is tired of pies and would be pleased if he never saw another one. He believes that he needs a new challenge to set his blood coursing through his veins again and hopes that the business man Dougie Brass will be able to help him.
