The Widow of Woodholme

When temptation knocks, does she answer? Is she perfect? No, but who amongst her can make such claim? Read away as Imogen Simmonds deftly governs her complexities and flaws in an era abounding with change and desire. The year is 1821 in the bustling City of Washington and the federal district's neighboring environs of Georgetown where the alluring Imogen Simmonds and her husband, Talmadge, make their home. Newly arrived from England, they readily partake of the politics and parties vital to Talmadge's livelihood in the newspaper trade. Their life at Woodholme, the magnificent mansion Talmadge commissioned for his bride, appears to be idyllic until his nemesis, Archibald Howard, enters their lives and temptation knocks at Woodholme's door. Conflicted by desires she cannot suppress, Imogen is irresistibly drawn to Archibald's advances, which she chooses not to thwart. Talmadge's abiding love for his wife compels him to tolerate her behavior as she breaks the bonds set by vows and polite society's conventions. Infidelity ensues. Yearnings lead to betrayal. Upholding honor leads to a duel. Loss soon follows, leaving Imogen stricken with guilt, compelling her to make choices between her conscience, her heart and her fancies. A woman from her husband's past, the arrival of a handsome young gentleman and the revelation of a long held secret, add to Imogen's struggles as she casts off her widow's weeds and lifts herself from her mantle of grief. A mighty woman, her desires will not be deterred by remorse, guilt or shame. The amalgamation of love, needs, gossip, family secrets, betrayal, friendship and her ongoing pursuit of social justice for society's enslaved, lead Imogen to reflect on her passions and decisions. Ultimately, it is her vulnerability and power, melded with sage advice from her confidantes, which allows her to examine and question her trajectory, endure criticism and continue to prevail, as she searches for joy in the next chapters of her life.