Helen Maitland marries beneath her class by marrying Joshua Wilcox. Joshua is not accepted as Helen’s equal despite being a successful tradesman. He wants to start a trans-Manhattan elevated railway which requires lots of capital. To obtain additional funding Joshua puts up the family’s home as collateral. When Joshua loses the house to speculator Felix Castle, the family is forced to move in with Helen’s mother. Happily the family’s finances eventually turn around when stock in the elevated railway project is offered to the public. As Helen plans her daughters’ debut, she wants the event to be something different. Jemima and Alice’s introduction into society takes place, contrary to the traditional quiet reception at home, at Delminco’s ballroom. Also contrary to tradition, both young women have found their own potential husbands without their parents’ knowledge.
This is a riches to rags to riches story. It would be a fun read for fans of Bridgerton and Downton Abbey.
~Emma
Read it or Weep 