Servants know everything. Never trust them. Never fall in love.

When Ellen Braithwaite, a young houemaid in the 1840s, enters service at the declining Markham Thorpe, she soon realises that the relationship between masters and servants is not quite as it should be - and that it is her cousin, the charismatic housekeeper, Mrs Rundell, whose agendas are complex and whose enemies are growing.

A formidable woman with grand designs, Mrs Rundell is taking control of far more than just the running of the house. Her masters appear powerless to stop her, her enemies are increasing and, most confusingly, she has plans for her young cousin too.

But can there really be any harm in trying to beat the disadvantages of birth and better yourself? As Ellen and the inhabitants of Markham Thorpe will discover, that all depends on just how far you are willing to go.

Power, sex, money and scandal: Markham Thorpe is a gripping story of secrets and lies behind the green baize door.

"I read it in a sitting ... Giles Waterfield is one of those writers whom it is a joy to spend time with." - Sunday Telegraph

"Unique and subtle ... More poignant than E. F. Benson, more believeable than Anita Brookner ... this captivating novel speaks with a humane and civilised voice." - Country Life

"Witty and beautifully written." - Tatler

Giles Waterfield was brought up in Paris and Geneva. Having worked at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and for sixteen years as Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, in 1996 he abandoned arts administration in order to write, teach and curate exhibitions. His first novel, THE LONG AFTERNOON, won the McKitterick Prize in 2001.