Jenni Thornley

The Ainsley Court Robbery Jenni Thornley

During the cool summer of 1924, with England recovering from the horrors of the First World War, this story centres round the family of Lord Milton, Earl of Dowland, and their associates. Robert Bradshaw, a former pilot during the War, is restless and hoping for a change. His wife Lady Eloise was the young widow of Lord Peter Knowles who was killed in a riding accident. Through a round of social parties, they and their friends, move from house to house engaged in a range of upper-class pursuits. A spate of jewel robberies during house parties at the homes of acquaintances is the hot topic of conversation. Edward, Robert's younger brother, develops his friendship with the servants and learns some startling information. Robert follows his wife on a clandestine visit to a jeweller's. Why has she gone there? Their friends Henry and Marcus maintain verbal sparring at each house they visit. What's their secret? Throughout the summer, relationships within the group bubble and stir, finally reaching boiling point. As the robberies come closer to home, Edward takes more interest while Robert becomes a partner in his father-in-law's instrument making business. Rummaging where few have delved before, he discovers things aren't quite as they should be.