Books like The Wilderling by Claire Lorrimer

Born into British aristocracy yet raised in a French convent and later a Parisian brothel, the Honourable Sophia Lucienne Rochford—known as “Lucy” and likened to a wilderling—returns to Edwardian England at sixteen, reborn as the daughter of the Rochford family. A betrayal by her own father fuels her resolve to secure wealth and independence, and she quickly masters the social graces required to succeed. When the handsome Count Alexis Zemski falls in love with her, she accepts his marriage proposal despite the discovery of her past. As World I fractures Europe, Lucy embarks on a journey of self‑discovery, grappling with love, duty, and the harsh realities of the war. Earthy, cruel, and beautifully told, this novel follows the trajectory of a woman navigating social expectations and personal ambition during a pivotal moment in history.

First publish date: 1982