Faro's Daughter

Plot summary

The beautiful but poor Deborah Grantham presides over her aunt's gaming house in Georgian London. Here she meets Max Ravenscar who is determined to prevent his young cousin and ward from contracting an inappropriate marriage to Grantham. Incensed by the idea that she would exploit an innocent, Deborah decides to take her revenge on Ravenscar which eventually leads to the pair falling in love.

Characters

Mr Max Ravenscar - the hero, 35, a member of Brooks's and notable whip, he is the richest man in London and a trustee of Lord Maplethorpe's fortune. He believes Miss Grantham is 'tolerably handsome'.

Miss Deborah Grantham - the heroine, 26, a penniless orphan who resides with her aunt who runs a gaming house.

Lord Adrian Maplethorpe - cousin of Mr Ravenscar, he is love with Deb Grantham and wishes to marry her. He has almost reached his majority.

Lady Eliza Bellingham - Deb Grantham's aunt, Sir Edward Bellingham's widow. Resided previously in Clarges St, before opening the gaming house in St. James's Square.

Lord Ormskirk - the antihero, wishes to make Miss Grantham his mistress.

Lady Selina Maplethorpe - Lord Adrian's mother, seeks Mr Ravenscar's help to save his son from the grasping adventuress.

Sir James Filey - wishes to race his pair of blood chestnuts against Mr Ravenscar's greys.

Arabella Ravenscar - Max Ravenscar's sister. She is a minx.

Mr Kit Grantham - Deb's brother, in a line regiment, in love with Arabella Ravenscar.

Mr Lucius Kennett - adventurer, friend of Deb Grantham.