ELIZABETH CRAVEN AND HER WORLD

   This beautifully written and superbly atmospheric novel, by Lydie Perreau, tells the curious story behind the Wallace Collection, the art museum in central London. It depicts life in Regency England and 19th-century France with an exquisite eye for detail. The complicated family history begins in 1770 with the birth in London of Maria Emilia Fagnani. The daughter of a former dancer, the Italian Marchesa Fagnani (but not of the Marchese) she was recognised by her natural father, the Duke of Queensbury, who allowed his friend, the MP George Selwyn, to adopt her in all but name. He adored her, cossetted her, educated her and eventually left her his considerable fortune. Brought out in society, she met Francis Seymour-Conway, the brilliant and wayward heir of the rich Marquess of Hertford. Francis married her despite his father's opposition. Her illegitimate birth was a social handicap but over men she always exerted an irresistible charm and fascination. She became in due cour...