Though she is an orphan, Cecilia Beverly is an heiress to a small
fortune, which she may keep under the stipulation from her uncle that
when Cecilia marries, she will keep her Beverly name, asking her future
husband to adopt it as well. After she leaves for London to stay with
her guardians, she realizes that each of the three families left to care
for her are greedy and vain people. Before arriving to the first pair of
guardians, the Harrels, Cecilia visits their friend, Mr. Monckton, for
breakfast. Mr. Monckton is stunned when he meets the beautiful,
intelligent and wealthy Miss Beverly and is upset that he has married
for money instead of waiting to meet a woman like Cecilia. Cecilia knows
nothing of his admirations and attends a masquerade ball thrown by Mrs.
Harrel. At the masquerade she is unable to meet people because a man
dressed as a black demon is following and chasing others away. After she
is rescued by a mysterious man masquerading as White Domino, it becomes
a pattern in her social life. This man rescues Cecilia again at the
opera when two men are fighting over her. She learns his identity is
Mortimer Delvile and after spending time with his family, Cecilia begins
to fall in love. Unfortunately, Mortimer believes she is engaged to one
of the many suitors trying to win her favor. Cecilia must overcome the
manipulation and extortion from her guardians and dangerous admirers in
order to protect her fortune and find real love. First published in
1782, Cecilia; or Memoirs of an Heiress by Frances Burney is an
exciting and wonderful romance. With themes of true love, class, and
morality, Cecilia; or Memoirs of an Heiress satirizes the society it
is set in. With captivating characters and a compelling plot, this 18th
century romance is timeless. This edition of Cecilia; or, Memoirs of an
Heiress by Frances Burney features an eye-catching new cover design and
is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these
accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary
audiences, restoring Cecilia: or, Memoirs of an Heiress to modern
standards while preserving the tender romance and satirical genius of
Frances Burney's work.
