A Desirable Husband

<p><i>A Desirable Husband</i>, first published in 1987, was the third novel by the prodigiously gifted Frances Vernon (1963-91). <br><br>Finola Molloy - first introduced to readers as the daughter of the bohemian Alice in Vernon''s acclaimed debut<i>Privileged Children</i> (1982) - has grown up and married Gerard Parnell, barrister and heir to a Derbyshire estate. They are living happily in London with two small children when Gerard, quite unexpectedly, comes into his inheritance. And yet this gracious living - however fortunate it initially appears - will prove to be unexpectedly challenging to both partners in the marriage.<br><br>''Frances Vernon is an absolute wonder.'' <i>Sunday Mirror</i><br><br>''Subtle hints of Barbara Pym or Ivy Compton-Burnett.'' <i>The Lady</i></p>