Maculan's Daughter — Sarah Gainham

When Jenny Maculan was seventeen, her famous inventor father died, leaving the lonely girl vulnerable to the wiles of Vincent Cheyney. Her marriage to the scheming Cheyney is the beginning of sexual humiliation and degradation for Jenny, who finally is made to doubt her own sanity.

Then Vincent is killed, along with his mistress, in a car accident, and suddenly Jenny's secluded life is thrown open to a public glare. Vincent Cheyney's use of Maculan's company, of which he had been named the head after his marriage to Jenny, is questioned by the highest powers of the land. Was Cheyney betraying national secrets to unfriendly countries? Was he, on top of everything else, a traitor?

Mark Vail, sent to investigate Cheyney for the government, finds sinister evidence in support of treasonous activity. He also develops a sympathy for Jenny that turns into a passion that threatens to ruin them both.