Whitewash

Lady Selina Chandos is a consummate châtelaine, her polished smile and effortless poise masking the weight of a sprawling estate she now runs alone. After the death of her formidable husband, the late Squire of Upworthy, she inherits not only his lands but his exacting standards, forcing her to navigate the delicate dance of politics, commerce, and servant‑management without any formal training. The manor’s grand rooms echo with the quiet authority of a woman who must appear serene while her thoughts swirl with doubt and determination.

When the local gentry arrive for a modest fête on the lawns, Selina’s composure is tested by the arrival of Mr. Goodrich, a visitor whose request to see her before the rest of the party hints at motives beyond mere courtesy. As she juggles the expectations of the parish priest, the county’s officials, and her own staff, the day’s preparations become a stage for subtle power plays and hidden anxieties. The careful choreography of smiles, tea, and gin suggests that the smooth surface of country life may conceal deeper currents.

Through witty dialogue and vivid portraiture of Regency society, the novel invites listeners to watch Selina balance duty and desire, questioning whether a well‑crafted smile can truly conceal the complexities of grief, ambition, and the ever‑present whisper of scandal.