Belles and Ringers

"Belles and Ringers" by Hawley Smart is a book from the late 1800s that tells the tale of Lady Mary Bloxam and her quest to find husbands for her daughters during the social season. Set mostly at Todborough Grange, the book is about family life and how people act in society. Lady Mary really wants her beautiful daughter, Blanche, to make a good marriage, with Lionel Beauchamp being a possible choice. Things get interesting when Sylla Chipchase, a charming cousin, arrives and becomes a rival for Blanche’s attention. The story kicks off with a fancy dinner, and everyone is looking forward to a big ball where the characters will be making their moves.