And Five Were Foolish

"And Five Were Foolish" by Dornford Yates is a story about Sarah Vulliamy and Virgil Pardoner, who discover they must marry each other to inherit a fortune, even though they both have feelings for other people. The book starts with them talking lightheartedly about their engagement over champagne and soon uncovers the strange will that makes them tied together. Despite their affections lying elsewhere—Sarah loves George Fulke, and Virgil is interested in June Townshend—they face the tricky job of dealing with love, duty, and what society expects from them. The story is funny and upbeat, as Sarah tries to avoid marrying Virgil, and they tease each other about their true feelings and the ridiculous situation they're in. This sets the stage for a tale full of surprising turns as they try to work out their complicated lives.