Marrying The Mistress

An Alliance of Convenience

In Marrying the Mistress, Joanna Trollope paints a captivating portrait of social expectation and personal desire set against the polished backdrop of contemporary English high society. When Edward Harcourt, heir to a venerable estate, announces his engagement to the formidable socialite Miranda Prescott, the world applauds what seems a perfect match. Yet behind the glittering facade of champagne receptions and polished smiles lies a secret that threatens to unravel everything: Edward’s long-time confidante and former lover, Helena Price, has quietly held his heart for years. Torn between duty and passion, Edward embarks on a journey that will force him to choose between the comfortable certainty of wealth and the unpredictable power of true love.

Web of Expectations

Trollope’s vivid prose illuminates the hidden currents that run beneath polite society. Miranda, elegant and disciplined, embodies the expectations of her class yet harbors her own vulnerabilities. Helena, by contrast, is spirited and intuitive—an artist whose quiet strength emerges in moments of crisis. As family members and friends align behind the forthcoming wedding, alliances shift and long-buried resentments come to light. Trollope deftly explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the compromises we make to maintain appearances, asking: how far will we go to protect a carefully curated life?

The Heart’s Reckoning

Amid decadent dinner parties and whispered encounters in candlelit corridors, Edward must confront the true cost of his choices. Trollope weaves an emotionally rich tapestry, balancing tension with tenderness as secrets are revealed and hearts are laid bare. Secondary characters—a disillusioned sibling, an old family friend with unexpected wisdom, and a sharp-tongued aunt who sees through every pretense—add depth and humor to a story that asks whether love can triumph when every eye is watching.

Author’s Description

Joanna Trollope is a bestselling author renowned for her insightful explorations of family dynamics and social mores. Combining elegant storytelling with keen emotional intelligence, she lives in Devon and continues to captivate readers with her richly drawn characters and timeless themes.