The tattered heiress

the long version

"Lambda Award-winning author Debra Hyde returns to the rich terrain of late 19th century New York City as she follows genteel lady detectives Charlotte Olmes and Joanna Wilson on their quests to find the secrets hidden under the petticoats of women's live. Margaret Sutherland is a tattered heiress, her life torn apart by death, sorrow, and the loss of prosperity and status. She skulks about the Ladies Mile, furtive and avoiding, draped in an ancient, worn cape. Until Joanna Wilson, faithful companion and lover to detective Charlotte Olmes, spots her in the famed shopping district and knows something's wrong. Once, they were all debutantes, celebrating their coming-out season, but fate and fortune cast them different outcomes. As Joanna recalls that time, she and Charlotte scramble to aid the desolate Miss Sutherland, only to find a trail of deception, fraud, and extortion blocking their way. Jumping every hurdle of opposition and rallying allies new and old, Olmes and Wilson must race to see the fair Miss Sutherland to safety and freedom"--Page 4 of cover