Susan Russell Thompson

A Tea Drinker's Novel Susan Russell Thompson

Chilverton Park, the first in a planned series of Tea Drinker's Novels, is a humorous, light Victorian-style romance in a period setting, written in a manner reminiscent of both Anthony Trollope and P. G. Wodehouse. At the heart of this charming story lies an unusual attachment between the gay, confirmed bachelor about London, Sir Erskine Wald, and his childhood friend, the winsome but delicate daughter of the Earl of Chilverton, Lady Caroline Downey. Lady Caroline, who earnestly wishes to remain single, reveals her intention to Sir Erskine, who eventually acknowledges that they have that aim in common. But avoiding marriage in Victorian England is an admittedly tricky business. Lady Caroline's Aunt Clara is determined to oppose her at every step and begins a program of ill-conceived interference, which brings Sir Erskine to Lady Caroline's aid in league with his mother, the formidable Mrs. Hortensia Wald. Lady Caroline manages, with their help, to stay above the Victorian era intrigue surrounding her until her Aunt Clara manages to corner her in an almost inescapable dilemma.