The marriage of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett has been well named "the most perfect example of wedded happiness in the history of literature - perfect in the inner life and perfect in its poetical expression."

    When Cornelia arrived to take her place in London society she was dressed in dowdy country clothing and hiding awkwardly behind glasses.Immediately, the beautiful Lily Bedlington knew that her husband's niece posed no threat to her intentions and began to weave the plan that would make the young Duke hers alone.Heartbroken and desperate, Cornelia created another identity for herself - that of the intriguing coquette Desiree - and vanished from London.With that one reckless deception Cornelia risked everything to win the Duke's love...

    He began his political career as a Conservative, sitting for a "rotten" borough; under the influence of Peel & following his experience as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 1850s, he attached himself to the Whigs & became the spokesman for middle-class liberalism by the mid-1860s. He served as Liberal Prime Minister four times & presided over many important reforms in both domestic & foreign policy. His charitable but controversial work among prostitutes has failed to detract from the reputation of this great politican.