A fictionalized account of one of the 19th century England's most notorious scandals. After spending her early years in a convent, Melisande was brought home by her father, where she attracted the attention of the rake Fermor, who was already engaged to her half-sister. Melisande's escape from that situation eventually led her to take a job as a lady's maid. Far from finding safety, she found herself standing trial for murder. The events are true but read like fiction. G. P. Putnam's Sons, NY. 1991. Hb, Dj. USED. $9.00