In one of her later masterpieces, May Sinclair—renowned author, literary critic, and feminist advocate—delves into the complex life of Kitty Tailleur, a strikingly beautiful yet fallen woman in search of respectability. Following the success of her groundbreaking work, The Divine Fire, Sinclair artfully employs irony and subtlety to unravel the societal hypocrisy surrounding womens struggles for power and dignity. Set against the backdrop of a quaint seaside hotel, Kitty finds herself entangled in a passionate romance with Robert Lucy, a kind-hearted widower with two young daughters. Despite his goodness, Robert is emotionally naive, while Kittys maturity has been stunted by her past as a mistress in the demi-monde. As they plan their future together, a series of unforeseen obstacles arise, casting doubt on their hopes for happiness. Will Kitty succumb to the whispers of hotel guests who question her past? Can she protect Roberts daughters from the truth that could shatter their newfound family? Sinclairs compelling narrative introduces a cast of vivid secondary characters, including Kittys repressed chaperone and Roberts saintly sister, who all play a role in determining the fate of this passionate love story. Will love ultimately triumph, or will societal constraints prevail?
