The Delacott Affair

Gerald Delacott is a retired banker, who lives in genteel poverty with his children, waiting patiently for the day when his distant cousin will die, leaving him free to inherit the title of Earl of Holdsworth – and all the riches that go with it. When the newspapers report the death of the Earl, it seems that Delacott has got his wish. But when he and his children find their new wealth and position unexpectedly snatched away, the true mettle of the Delacotts is revealed. And for one of Gerald’s children, this entails the contemplation of an abominable crime…

Originally published in 1941, Charles Kingston’s novel is a morality tale about class, wealth, and social expectation – and the actions, good and bad, which they encourage.