The Duchess

A love so strong, a king renounced his kingdom-all for that woman. Or was she just an escape route for a king who never wanted to rule? Bestselling author Wendy Holden's new novel takes an intimate look at the inner workings of one of the most notorious scandals of the 20th century.1928. A middle-aged foreigner comes to London with average looks, no money and no connections.Wallis's first months in the city are lonely, dull and depressing. To the lively American woman, the British seem cold and have an impenetrable social code. With no friends of her own she follows the glamorous set in magazines and goes to watch society weddings. Her stuffy husband Ernest's idea of fun, meanwhile, is touring historic monuments. When an unexpected encounter leads to a house party with the Prince of Wales, Wallis's star begins to rise. Her secret weapon is her American pep, honesty and lack of deference. For the prince she is a breath of fresh air; she, for her part, encourages his ambition to modernize the monarchy. As her friendship with David-as his friends call him-grows, their relationship deepens into love. Wallis is plunged into a world of unimaginable luxury and privilege, enjoying weekends together at his private castle at Windsor.Wallis knows the fun and excitement can't last. David will have to marry and she will return to Ernest. The sudden death of George V seems to make this inevitable; David is now King. To her shock and amazement, however, he refuses to give her up. Starting to discuss marriage, he refuses to recognize that they are facing impossible odds. Her fairy tale becomes a nightmare. The royal family close ranks to shut her out and Ernest gives an ultimatum.Wallis finds herself trapped. Faced with an intractable Parliament, David insists on abdicating his throne. He won't give her up and she can't escape the overwhelming public outrage. Villainized, she becomes the woman everyone blames, the face of the most dramatic and extraordinary royal scandal of the twentieth century.Story Locale: England, 20th century