Wilkie Collins's Miss or Mrs.? is a novella of suspense and sensation, first published in 1871. The story hinges on a secret marriage and the legal and social perils that arise from it. The plot centers on a wealthy man, Mr. Turlington, who is engaged to be married to the young and beautiful Natalie Graybrooke. Unbeknownst to him and to most of society, Natalie has already been secretly married to her cousin, Richard Lavender. Because Natalie is underage, their marriage is not yet legally binding and can be annulled by her father, a fact that creates a state of constant anxiety for the young couple. The villainous Turlington, a man with a dark secret involving a forged bill and a death at sea, is determined to marry Natalie to secure her fortune and save himself from financial ruin and exposure. When he discovers the existence of the secret marriage, he becomes dangerously desperate. The narrative builds tension as Turlington plots to eliminate his rival, Richard, during a yacht party on the Thames. Collins masterfully weaves together themes of legal vulnerability, blackmail, and murderous intent, creating a tightly paced thriller. The question of whether Natalie will be perceived as "Miss" or "Mrs." becomes a matter of life and death, making this a classic example of Collins's talent for creating domestic suspense with high stakes.

Table of Contents:

• Miss or Mrs.?. Part 1

• Miss or Mrs.?. Part 2