Bad to the bone - Gwen Madoc

Kathryn Vaughan is heiress to a considerable fortune, which is unfortunately in the unscrupulous hands of her tyrannical stepfather, Luther Templar. In November 1899 Kate expects to announce her engagement to Mansel Jenkins, only son of another family of wealth in the town, but Luther Templar, intent on acquiring Kate's inheritance, dupes Mansel into believing Kate suffers from hereditary insanity. Without explanation Mansel deserts Kate, who is devastated.

On the eve of the new century Luther throws a lavish celebratory ball, and to Kate's shock and dismay announces her betrothal to his nephew, Simon Creswell from Bath, a complete stranger to Kate. Luther's terms to Kate are simple - she either marries Simon or is committed to the local lunatic asylum for life.

Luther expects to obtain Kate's shares through Simon, but Simon has plans of his own- as does Kate.