The Quiet Wife

Stately Scandals #2

by Felicity York

All he wants is a quiet wife. But she wants something more . . . 1867, Liverpool. Wife to an errant husband, the art patron Frederick Leyland, Frances is losing her sense of self. So when Frederick announces they are moving into the crumbling Speke Hall, she throws herself into the all-consuming task of renovating their once-magnificent new home.

But when one of Frederick’s protegés – the handsome, brooding American artist James Whistler – offers to help Frances decorate, she and the painter form an instant connection. And under the painter’s gaze, Frances begins to see that like the house, there is neglected splendour within her, too. Inspired by the possibilities the artist arouses in her, she begins to wonder if love might still be in the picture for her, after all…

Based on a true story, this is the heady, slow-burn tale of a woman reinventing herself, while embarking on a daring, forbidden love affair with James Whistler.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Also writes as Ruby Moone

Reviews

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good! A wonderful, absorbing combination of nonfiction + fiction on the topic of Art History (my “Road Not Taken”). James McNeill Whistler has always been one of my all-time favorite painters/portraitists; therefore, this narrative took over my life for the last week. It also reminded me of an unforgettable viewing experience that occurred when I was able to see several VERY well displayed Whistlers in the McGlothlin Collection of American Art in VMFA Iocated in Richmond, VA. The book is centered on the Leyland family as clients, patrons, models, friends, and more. . .and less. Frances = the painter’s muse while Frederick = his nemesis. Do yourself a favor and give this a try. You will not be sorry.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have visited the beautiful Speke Hall in Merseyside I was unfamiliar with the story of Frederick Leyland and of the momentous events during his ten year lease of the hall between 1867 - 1877. Frances Leyland, his wife, is a lady of quiet fortitude, her quiet grace and ethereal beauty are in direct contrast to Frederick’s cold ambition.

During the Leyland’s tenure of Speke Hall American artist James McNeill Whistler is commissioned to paint individual portraits of both Frederick and Frances, and it is this relationship which is explored in this fascinating reimagining of the alleged romantic affair between Whistler and Frances. The magical connection between Whistler and Frances is explored in tender detail which is in direct contrast to the fractured relationship between Frances and her husband.

Beautifully written, and gloriously imagined, I was enthralled by the way the author brings this world to life. I was so engrossed I started researching Whistler and found, online, his stunning portrait of Frances Leyland and thanks to the author’s detailed description of life at Speke Hall and also at the Leyland residence in London, I could well imagine the places and the people. I raced through the story reluctant to leave it without knowing more about the relationship between Frances and Whistler, delighting in the way their fascinating story played out amidst the wider context of the story.

The Quiet Wife is the second book in the Stately Scandal’s series which began with The Runaway Bride. The third book, The Secret Sister will be released in 2026. All are standalone stories.

[Elizabeth A. Iverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

The author did a wonderful job of creating a beautiful story set in London, including love, betrayal, seemly social isolation and loneliness. However, the story had a happy ending, where those that followed social and political correctness found themselves released from social constraints and moved in to a new and happier life.

[Bakerpat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not sure how much of this book is true or just conjecture on the part of the author. Did Whistler have an affair with a married women? Certainly given the time period neither party left any evidence that this story actually happened.
The title character was too good to be true.

[mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

This story is so spellbounding.
I just could not put this book down, just had to find out what was happening in the lives of these wonderful people.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description doesn’t match the story. There was no renovating of Speke hall.