A Breach of Promise (The Whited Sepulchres)

In a sensational breach-of-promise suit, two wealthy social climbers are suing on behalf of their beautiful daughter, Zillah. The defendant is Zillah's alleged fiancé, brilliant young architect Killian Melville, who adamantly declares that he will not, cannot, marry her. Utterly baffled by his client's refusal, Melville's counsel, Sir Oliver Rathbone, turns to his old comrades in crime--William Monk and nurse Hester Latterly. But even as they scout London for clues, the case suddenly and tragically ends, in an outcome that no one--except a ruthless murderer--could have foreseen. In a sensational breach-of-promise suit, two wealthy social climbers are suing on behalf of their beautiful daughter, Zillah. The defendant is Zillahs alleged fianc, brilliant young architect Killian Melville, who adamantly declares that he will not, cannot, #160;marry her. Utterly baffled by his clients refusal, Melvilles counsel, Sir Oliver Rathbone, turns to his old comrades in crimeWilliam Monk and nurse Hester Latterly. But even as they scout London for clues, the case suddenly and tragically ends, in an outcome that no oneexcept a ruthless murderercould have foreseen A man in Victorian England who was accused of breaking a promise of marriage commits suicide. The man denied the charge, claiming he could not possibly marry the woman, rich and beautiful though she was. Why not? P.I. William Monk wants to find out