The Berylford Scandals: Sin & Secrecy

Conflict may rage across the continent as Napoleon presses his advantage. But none will cause more chaos and anarchy than the war between Berylford schoolkeeper Abel Stirkwhistle and his sister Miss Rebecca.

Their students, including a quartet of mischief-makers known as The Four Scallywags, both fear and despise them. And when a half-cocked murder plot leads to the discovery of a murder already committed, scandal and speculation ravage the town of Berylford. Some know the truth, and many wish to conceal it.

Further mystery is sparked when a poor boy named Jacob is brought before Abel. Bearing connection to a name he seems to recognise. For what reason, he dares not divulge. Meanwhile, Lady Oliviera Vyrrington, now a spectre of her former self, develops a peculiar affection for the boy. Aided by her intermittent enemy and butler Whitlocke and maidservant Amethyst, she attempts to shield Jacob from Abel’s wrath. All while trying to learn the truth and protect her family name if need be.

The Berylford Scandals: SIN & SECRECY is the twenty-year follow-on from LUST & LIBERTY. In this little market town, there is no shortage of scandal or relentless gossip. No matter how trivial the events, everyone talks or is talked about, including Lady Vyrrington’s closest compatriots Elspeth Urmstone and Judith-Ann Haffisidge, the handsome rag-and-bone man Ebenezer Devonshire, mysterious educator Albrecht Otilmann and Beryl Court’s naïve heir presumptive Lord Theodore Ivymire. Secrets, deceit, betrayal – all of these lie within the very bricks of Berylford.