The Dangerfield Talisman

At Friocksheim, a bridge party sparkles with wit and social polish while concealing private desperation. Douglas Fairmile's charm masks his thoughts of Cynthia Pennard, and Eileen Cressage, playing dummy, is preoccupied not with the cards but with mounting debts, fragile pride, and the humiliations of living on too little money. Around them, the wealthy guests are sharply drawn: Mrs. Caistor Scorton's comfort, Conway Westenhanger's quiet intelligence, and Rollo Dangerfield's uneasy manner all sharpen the novel's lightly satirical portrait of class and privilege. Into this world comes Mr. Wraxall, an American collector who loves old things for the lives they once held, and whose fascination with the legendary Dangerfield Talisman turns polite conversation into a contest of ownership, heritage, and desire. When Rollo finally reveals the Talisman—a heavy ancient gold armlet kept under glass—the family legend behind it deepens the atmosphere of old mystery. But the evening's elegance gives way to suspicion when the jewel is stolen. Westenhanger, probing the room with careful logic, traces clues from objects to people, then follows Eileen to the lonely shore, where her anxious vigil for the Kestrel and her fear for her reputation expose the human cost of gossip, secrets, and divided loyalties. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.