Lillie

The fetching looks of beautiful tomboy Emilie Le Breton–preferably known as Lillie–attract the attention of many men on the British Island of Jersey–even those who arrive by accident. After a disastrous visit to London, Lillie falls for a local fisherman with whom she has a bit too much in common. Soon after the forbidden relationship, she accepts the marriage proposal of the wealthy Edward Langtry, a man who offers an escape from both her father and Jersey.

Settling with husband Edward in her somber new Southampton home, Lillie finds less freedom now than she did on Jersey. Worse, Edward's riches have long been spent. After a life-threatening illness and a bit of trickery, Lillie and Edward move to London where Lillie gets her first delicious taste of upper-crust society. However, tragedy forces Lillie's return to Jersey. Her beloved brother Reggie suffers a fatal accident, causing her intense grief and unrelenting guilt.

Lillie's radiant beauty creates a sensation in London's social circles. She is now a 'professional beauty', a fashionable society woman whose every movement becomes a matter of public interest. Lillie graces magazine covers and becomes highly sought after by artists, photographers, writers, hostesses–and visiting dignitary King Leopold of the Belgians. While Lillie is highly celebrated, little do the wags know that this beauty has but one simple black dress to her name.