Wicked Mistress Yale, The Parting Glass (The Yale Trilogy)
In 1700 London, the East India Company’s (EIC) former governor, Elihu Yale, recently returned from Madras, is at a dinner party with his family. Seemingly wishing to reconcile his ten-year estrangement from his wife, Catherine, he proposes a toast: “A parting glass… an end to separations…” But he also announces the sale of Catherine’s house and the purchase of an enormous mansion. Also, dismissing Catherine’s loyal housekeeper, he replaces her with a Portuguese widow from Madras. Furthermore, Yale corresponds with his former mistresses in Madras. Catherine’s sons decide to sue their stepfather, Yale, for portions of their inheritance he is withholding. This leads to other family quarrels, which infuriate Catherine. The housekeeper feeds Catherine high doses of laudanum. Catherine becomes incapacitated, and Yale has her ensconced in a mental hospital. Catherine must battle her insanity and patch up her family’s conflicts. Catherine is also drawn into espionage.
This is the gripping conclusion of the Yale Trilogy. David Ebsworth has admirably woven his plot into the difficult historical period following the Glorious Revolution. This account of EIC Governor Elihu Yale, told by his wife Catherine, both real-life characters, is based on Ebsworth’s extensive investigation. The research, conducted not only in historical records but also in graveyards, shows in the narrative. While Catherine’s name may have been forgotten, Ebsworth has revived her out of historical folios to have her tackle Yale in sometimes rancorous discussions during dinners. Period dialect, including exclamations and swear words, and mannerisms are included at just the right level. While Elihu Yale may well stand beside the stalwarts of the EIC such as Robert Clive and others, he hasn’t received the recognition he deserves, despite his generous grant and name to Yale University. This book serves to correct that. Highly recommended.
