Anthony Lyveden

Major Anthony Lyveden is a ruined gentleman on the edge of desperation, a decorated ex-officer with almost nothing left but pride, wit, and a last reckless Derby bet. Orphaned, unexpectedly enriched on condition that he earn a knighthood, and shaped by war and unemployment, he has spent nine humiliating months searching for work before finally disguising himself as a shabby servant and entering the household of the vulgar, status-hungry Mrs. Slumper. There, Lyveden's dignity is tested by comic chaos, class pretension, and the daily absurdities of domestic service, even as he arranges care for his beloved terrier Patch and tries to master the pain of losing both his old life and his chance at love. Patch's devotion provides warmth and comic relief throughout, while Lyveden's dry letters and sharp observations expose the follies of the people below stairs. When he encounters Valerie and is urged by Lady Touchstone to abandon pride and seek reconciliation, the story turns from satire toward emotional crisis, as he struggles to suppress his feelings and is left physically drained. Meanwhile, a parallel thread of gothic suspense follows Judge Molehill into a shadowy mystery, where a horrifying vision, a hidden clue, and signs of a buried crime promise darker revelations ahead. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.