
Set against the bustling streets of early‑19th‑century London, the novel follows two inseparable friends—Herrick, a charismatic speaker with a reputation for stirring controversy, and Lavendale, a restless schemer yearning for redemption. Their conversations echo through grand halls lined with armor and frescoes, revealing a world of political clubs, whispered conspiracies, and the glittering yet treacherous pursuit of status.
When Herrick confesses his love for the enchanting Irene Bosworth, the bond between the friends is tested by jealousy, ambition, and the lure of power. Lavendale, eager to secure a coveted seat in Parliament, offers his influence, while both men grapple with questions of honor, loyalty, and the price of desire. Their witty banter and sharp contrasts of hope and despair set the stage for a tale of friendship strained by love and the relentless chase for personal advancement.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (327K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2012-11-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1835–1915
A star of Victorian sensation fiction, this prolific English novelist is best remembered for the twisty, addictive drama of Lady Audley’s Secret. She wrote for decades, mixing mystery, social observation, and sharp storytelling that kept a huge reading public hooked.
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