The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

Set during Regency England, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman tells the story of twins, Lady Augusta (Gus) Colebrook and Lady Julia Colebrook, as they strive to adapt to changes in their lives enforced by their younger brother who evicts them from the family home in London when he marries. The sisters had inherited the house when their father died. Fortunately they are women of independent means and were able to purchase their own home at a better address, much to the displeasure of their brother who wanted the power of them being dependent on him.

The women continue to live their own lives which includes, with the assistance of staff and friends, rescuing women and girls who have been locked away from society for a variety of reasons. Much of the novel portrays the injustices and cruelty faced by many females during the Regency period.

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is a combination of historical fiction, adventure plus a little romance as Lady Augusta and Lady Julia decide that being older, unmarried ladies does not mean that they cannot choose how they want to live their lives. And they are determined that they and other ladies should live their lives to the full - not under the command of men.