All he wants is a quiet wife. But she wants something more . . .

19th Century, Liverpool.

As wife to an errant husband, the art patron and industrialist Frederick Leyland, Frances is losing her sense of self. Living in the beautiful Speke Hall with her family, she is shocked when Frederick announces he has commissioned American Artist, James Whistler to paint her portrait and the beautiful old house. Added to that, Whistler is also going to renovate the artwork in their new London home.

But when Frederick, as usual, dismisses his wife’s desires to help, telling her she doesn’t have the taste or style needed, this time her focus is drawn elsewhere when James Whistler, the handsome, brooding American artist, arrives at Speke and sweeps Frances and the family off their feet. Unlike her husband, he not only listens to Frances, he sees her. He sees the Frances that no-one else does.

Under the painter’s intense gaze, Frances begins to realise that like the house, there is neglected splendour within her, too. Inspired by the possibilities the artist arouses in her, she begins to wonder if love might still be in the picture for her, after all…

Based on a true story, this is the heady, slow-burn tale of a woman reinventing herself, while embarking on a daring, forbidden love affair with James Whistler.

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All of Felicity York's novels can be read as standalones. If you love The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal, read The Runaway Bride: A Lyme Park Scandal, and pre-order The Secret Sister: A Chatsworth House Scandal now!

Felicity York's latest series, The Quiet Wife, is a Victorian biographical fiction that explores the life of Frances, a woman trapped in societal expectations. The story unfolds as Frances finds her identity and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and forbidden love.

For fans of Mimi Matthews (The Lily of Ludgate Hill), Erica Ridley (My Rogue to Ruin), Sandra Sookoo (Night of Lyons), Sophia Holloway (The Chaperone), and Mary Balogh (Remember Me).

HarperCollins 2025

The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal (Stately Scandals, Book 2)

The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal (Stately Scandals, Book 2)