Lucy Trevor is heir to a large fortune. Her father spends much of his time working on his will, constantly fine-tuning his directions to Lucy, to give away half of the inheritance to people meeting his specifications. After he dies, she does make an attempt to give away some money, with far from satisfactory results. His directions also include how she is to live her life until her majority - half the year with her aunt Lady Randolph and half the year with the couple (distant relations) who take care of the family home.
All the people Lucy has known for years seem changed after her father dies: people now want something from her - usually her hand in marriage - either for themselves or for a relative. Even Lady Randolph would like her nephew to be a candidate. Lucy goes through many bewildering experiences before she finds the right person to rescue her.
This is the first in a series of two novels - see Series link below for more information.
British publishing information
First edition: Hurst and Blackett 1879 (1880 on title page)
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