Bird of Paradise

Lurid letters spell shocking scandal

VIRTUE IN A VISE

Bertha Kellynch was the most adorably beautiful woman in London society -- and it seemed a shameful waste that all of her loveliness should be devoted to just one man. Even more shocking, the man was Bertha's own husband, Percy, who actually dared to take her affection and fidelity for granted.

Clearly such unfashionable behavior could not remain unchallenged. Bertha's old flame, Nigel Hillier, set out to convince Bertha that marriage vows were made to be broken -- and he, eager to break his own, would show her how. And when unsigned letters to Percy accused Bertha of sins that she had so far rejected, it was dangerously tempting at least to enjoy the pleasures of impropriety it she had to pay the price...