Lillie

A tomboy growing up on the Island of Jersey, impish and unsophisticated Lillie Le Breton longs for little more than a peaceful life with her family and first love. But when sordid family secrets rein her romance, the disillusioned Lillie fashions herself into a society beauty and resolves upon marriage as her escape.

Confronted by her husband's debts, her own suffocating loneliness, and estrangement from her beloved brother Reggie, Lillie quickly regrets her choice in a spouse. A serious illness occasions her removal to London. Edward detests the City, but Lillie's beauty beguiles the artist set.

Christened the latest "professional beauty," Lillie makes a splash with the crème de la crème, while her portraits enchant the masses. She revels in her newfound popularity and promenint friends, including Oscar Wilde and J.M. Whistler. Her sudden fame disconcerts Edward.

Lillie unceremoniously rebuffs the azdvances of the King of Belgium. Despite briefly jeopardizing her social standing, her refusal ultimately wins her the good graces of English royalty. Lillie's friendship with Wilde intensifies, and she blames herself for the failure of her marriage.

The Prince of Wales draws Lillie into his circle, much to her friends' displeasure. Lillie fears her heyday will end with the social season, and a visitor from her past prompts a reconsideration of her life. Bertie angles for a more intimate relationship with Lillie.

After the Crown Prince of Austria aggresively pursues Lillie, Bertie publicly acknowledges her as his mistress. However, Lillie grows increasinly restless and dissatisfied with her role, particularly when Arthur reappears and professes his love.

Lillie's affair with Bertie cools, and he encourages her budding affections for Prince Louis. The Langtrys sue for libel over a newspaper's false divorce report. Louis proposes to Lillie, but pressure from all sides may end their romance just as it has life-altering consequences.

Lillie hides her pregnancy from society to avoid scandal. Bankrupted and succumbing to alcoholism, Edward reaches his breaking point when Lillie attempts to secure a divorce. Lillie embarks upon a successful stage career that leads her far from those she loves.

Although Lillie delights in the spectacle she inspires in America, her personal affairs overshadow her professional performances. Her preocupation with Freddie causes a rift with Henrietta, who retaliates in a highly public fashion. Freddie suggests a novel approach to obtaining a divorce.

Lillie becomes an American citizen, but her continued reluctance to get a divorce distresses Freddie. Financial failures further strain their relationship. Affronted by his audacity, Lillie breaks ties with Oscar, and takes up with an ill-advised new acquaintance.

Lillie endures Squire's abuse for the sake of his opulent apologies. Oscar and Lillie rekindle their friendship, but soon sufer through his criminal prosecution. Jeanne Marie discovers her mother's identity, prompting Lillie to finally divorce the increasingly unhinged Edward. Lillie enters the world of horse racing.

Finally free of Edward, Lillie may marry whomever she pleases--and she makes an unconventional choice indeed. Jeanne Marie falls in love, but learning the truth about her father at last may turn her against Lillie forever.

Lillie enjoys her golden years with the same joie de vivre and aplomb with which she approached the rest of her storied life. But as she mourns departed loved ones with each passing year, she steadfastly strives to reconcile with the one who matters to her most.