The Dawn of Love

Handsome, popular and much in demand in the Social world, Alstone, the Duke of Windlemere is bored with life and, seeking entertainment, he is drawn into a foolhardy wager with his friend Sir Hugo Benson.

The bet concerns whether they can successfully replicate the experiment in George Bernard Shaw's play, Pygmalion, in which Eliza Doolittle is taken from the flower market in London and trained to pass as a 'lady' in Society.

Unbeknown to her, Sir Hugo's niece, the beautiful, innocent orphan, Lorena, whom he summons back to England from her French Convent School, is chosen by him to play the part and is taken to meet the sophisticated Windlemere Set made up of the Duke's spoilt entourage.

On arrival with her uncle at the Duke's palatial stately home, Mere, Lorena is overawed by her surroundings and by the dashing and handsome Duke.

And for his part the Duke is captivated by Lorena's intelligence, honesty and loveliness. Not only is Lorena capable, it seems, of being accepted by his snobbish friends.

She inspires respect as well – and even love.



"Barbara Cartland, who sadly died in May 2000 at the grand age of ninety eight, remains one of the world's most famous romantic novelists.  With worldwide sales of over one billion, her outstanding 723 books have been translated into thirty six different languages, to be enjoyed by readers of romance globally.

Writing her first book 'Jigsaw' at the age of 21, Barbara became an immediate bestseller.  Building upon this initial success, she wrote continuously throughout her life, producing bestsellers for an astonishing 76 years.  In addition to Barbara Cartland's legion of fans in the UK and across Europe, her books have always been immensely popular in the USA.  In 1976 she achieved the unprecedented feat of having books at numbers 1 & 2 in the prestigious B. Dalton Bookseller bestsellers list.

Although she is often referred to as the 'Queen of Romance', Barbara Cartland also wrote several historical biographies, six autobiographies and numerous theatrical plays as well as books on life, love, health and cookery.  Becoming one of Britain's most popular media personalities and dressed in her trademark pink, Barbara spoke on radio and television about social and political issues, as well as making many public appearances.

In 1991 she[…]"



Excerpt From: Barbara Cartland. "The Dawn of Love." iBooks.