Rules of the Heart

This historical novel, Rules of the Heart, weaves one woman’s quest for true love—based on her own letters—while bringing to light the lesser-known story of Henrietta “Harriet” Bessborough, sister of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.

Set in England, the story begins in 1794, when Lady Harriet Bessborough recounts her love affair with Lord Granville, twelve years her junior.

Harriet knew the rules of engagement—she had seen what happened to women who played their hand badly. She understood the steps she was supposed to take to stay within those rules, but she let her emotions lead her. She told herself she simply wanted to know Lord Granville better, to see if his character was as appealing as his looks. Her marriage had left her feeling lonely, needy, and starved for affection. Once she truly came to know Lord Granville, she saw in him an answer to her wishes and desires—an answer that propelled her into their affair.

Born into privilege, Harriet was the subject of much speculation about whom she should marry, as was her sister Georgiana. At nineteen, Harriet accepted the hand of Lord Bessborough, cousin to the Duke of Devonshire—Georgiana’s husband. The match meant the sisters could remain close. Harriet had seen other marriages survive on such slender foundations, but she soon discovered that behind her husband’s shyness lay a deep and frightening rage. She had never witnessed such anger before.

This drove her even closer to her sister, following Georgiana’s every step, and eventually, in the footsteps of many other miserable women trapped in loveless marriages, Harriet embarked on a series of affairs.

Once, she came close to divorce; another time, she faced a serious illness—an ordeal that made her vow never to go astray again. Her sickness prompted her to reflect on her life. During her convalescence, she noticed changes in her husband, making her question past decisions. She was honest with herself, not looking for excuses for her wayward actions.

But life soon tested her resolve. When she met a man who turned her world upside down, she found herself struggling once more to keep her word. She told herself he would be nothing more than an entertaining diversion—one she could control.

The protagonist’s complexities and emotions are vividly drawn. Harriet is clever, yet flawed. Her relationship with her sister begins close, but a gap forms as Georgiana develops new friendships and fails to offer Harriet the same support during challenging times. Harriet’s self-proclaimed romantic nature is passionately expressed in her quest for true love, which remains the central focus of the story.

Written in evocative prose and richly detailed, Rules of the Heart beautifully explores the human search for happiness and the shifting nature of emotion. The novel vividly portrays Harriet’s frankness—drawn from her own letters—and skillfully blends her triumphs and struggles. It feels authentic and deeply human, giving center stage to a fascinating woman who was an exceptional letter writer, yet has remained largely unknown until now.