As a family historian, the lure of connections to well-known historical figures and the aristocracy can be strong, particularly with the possibility of lots more information being available. However, records can’t always prove what’s been passed down as family lore.

Inspired by her own family’s legend, that she’s descended from the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Wellington, Sue Williams has created a fictionalised account of what might have been. The Duke of Wellington had a well-known reputation for womanising, and in an author’s note, we’re told what the historical facts prove, and what clues there are to support the legend. 

The Duke’s Secret is told using two timelines. The first is from Georgian England, where we meet Arthur Wesley, who grew up in Ireland, later changing his family name to Wellesley and becoming the Duke of Wellington. Housemaid Mary Ann Marshall encounters him while working as a servant in his family’s London house. An apparent connection between them bubbles under the surface, until a line is crossed. Mary Ann also has a fragile friendship of sorts with the Duke’s wife, Kitty, for whom she becomes a lady’s maid.

The second timeline is present day, featuring journalist Ava. She’s struggling at work and has a manipulative boyfriend, who treats her dismissively and thinks nothing of claiming her stories for himself. Ava discovers the father she’d never met, and as she gets to know him, he tells her the story of being related to the ‘Iron Duke’. She can’t resist and begins researching, determined to learn more about her ancestors, and hopefully uncover the truth. 

The Duke’s Secret does an admirable job of blurring fact and fiction. Combining the author’s curiosity and imagination with what’s known via the historical record about the life of a man feted as a national hero, the story depicts the complexities and layers of life, and how choices have consequences.

Events, characters and scandals from the historic narrative are mirrored in the modern story arc. It shines a light on the hypocrisy of certain standards of the times, and that they haven’t completely disappeared. I found my blood boiling at some behaviour in particular, and was frustrated at how long it takes for recognition and action to happen.

This is a novel that inspires looking more widely when looking into your ancestry. I appreciated how Ava’s character approached her family history, and that she learned while you can’t always prove what happened, asking questions and imagining possibilities can provide insight and opportunities for exploring further.

In addition to The Duke’s Secret, other historical fiction books by Sue Williams include That Bligh Girl, Elizabeth & Elizabeth, and The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress.