His Darling Sin - Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Grace Perivale is young, beautiful and rich. She and her beloved husband are the center of high society. Until Hector suddenly and unexpectedly dies. Grace is heartbroken and her money and status do nothing to mitigate her desolation. Three years into widowhood, she returns to her London house from wintering in Italy, to discover she is being snubbed by society. Why? Her friend Sue sheds some light on the situation... as unbelievable as it sounds, Grace is touched by scandal. Of course, she denies everything, but who is spreading malicious gossip and why? - Summary by LynneT