The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon

The Mysteries of the Court of London This multi-chapter serial narrative, set in January 1795, opens with a sensational account delivered by traveling merchant Mr. Page at a London tavern. Page recounts shocking crimes allegedly perpetrated by the supposedly respectable Sir Richard Stamford of Aylesbury: fraud, forgery against the bank in which he is partner, the murder of his wife, and arson of his country estate. According to Page's account, banker Mr. Ramsey discovered Stamford's forgeries and confronted him at Stamford Manor; the baronet then killed his wife in fury and burned the house before fleeing. The narrative promises to unfold a tale encompassing both high society and criminal underworld, featuring characters including the Prince of Wales, various titled persons, criminal associates ("Kinchin-Ken," "Carrotty Poll"), and investigators including Bow Street officers, across fifty chapters spanning London settings from drawing rooms to taverns and prisons.