Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Intriguing, dramatic, historical, suspenseful
Best Kept Secret Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Barrington Inheritance Verdict
The novel opens with the verdict in the House of Lords regarding the Barrington family fortune. The vote between Lady Virginia Fenwick and Giles Barrington ends in a tie, forcing the Lord Chancellor to cast the deciding vote. To Emma and Giles's dismay, the Lord Chancellor rules for Lady Virginia, swayed by her husband's connections and a manipulation of the legal system. This decision crushes Giles's hopes of inheriting the estate and his family home, leaving him and Emma to face their financial limits and Lady Virginia's ongoing schemes. The verdict sets a somber tone, showing the influence of class and power.
Harry's American Tour and Emma's Quest
After the inheritance verdict, Harry Clifton goes on a promotional tour for his novel, 'The Best Kept Secret,' in America, leaving Emma to deal with the aftermath. While Harry is away, Emma focuses on a personal mission: finding the little girl found abandoned in her father, Hugo Barrington's, office the night he was murdered. She feels a deep responsibility to uncover the truth about her father's death. Her investigation leads her down unexpected paths, hinting at a larger conspiracy and further entangling the Clifton and Barrington families in secrets and past traumas. Her determination shows her resilience and moral compass.
Giles's Political Battle
A General Election is called, and Giles Barrington, now a Labour MP, prepares to defend his seat. His political career, though hard, gives him purpose after losing the family fortune. However, he is horrified to learn that the Conservative party has chosen Lady Virginia Fenwick, his sister-in-law and the inheritance beneficiary, to run against him. This sets up a bitter and deeply personal political fight, where family animosities enter the public arena. Giles must campaign on policy and also deal with Virginia's ruthless tactics and the public's view of their family feud, making his re-election a difficult prospect.
Sebastian's Early Brilliance
Sebastian Clifton, Harry and Emma's son, is a main character, showing intelligence and a sharp mind from a young age. He excels in his studies, aiming for a scholarship to Cambridge University. Sebastian's ambition and intellect are like his parents', but he also wants to make his own mark. His early successes hint at his future and his eventual involvement in complex situations. His development marks a generational shift in the saga, bringing new perspectives and challenges for the Clifton family.
Sebastian's Influence on Giles's Election
During the heated General Election campaign between Giles and Lady Virginia, Sebastian Clifton, still a young boy, plays a key role without knowing it. Through his curiosity and observations, Sebastian finds a piece of information that could impact the election's outcome. This discovery, though accidental, allows Giles to expose some of Lady Virginia's unethical campaign tactics, changing public opinion. Sebastian's actions, though innocent, show his early intelligence and his ability to influence his family members' lives. His contribution proves decisive in the close political battle.
Sebastian's Scholarship to Cambridge
By 1957, Sebastian Clifton's hard work and intellect earn him a scholarship to Cambridge University. This achievement makes his parents, Harry and Emma, very proud and is a major point in his life. Cambridge means academic excellence and entry into a world of intellectual pursuits and new opportunities. This success sets him on a promising future, different from his family's political and literary paths. His acceptance into Cambridge marks the start of a new chapter, promising intellectual growth and a chance at a distinguished career.
Sebastian's Expulsion and Art Fraud
Sebastian's time at Cambridge ends suddenly when he is unfairly expelled, a setback that could ruin his future. The reasons for his expulsion are unclear, suggesting foul play or a misunderstanding. After this devastating event, Sebastian becomes involved in an international art fraud scheme. This plot involves a valuable Rodin statue, auctioned for much less than its true worth, suggesting a deliberate manipulation of the market. Sebastian finds himself caught between dishonest characters, navigating a dangerous world of deceit and high stakes. His expulsion and involvement in the fraud test his character and resourcefulness.
The Rodin Statue and Its True Value
As Sebastian learns more about the art fraud, he discovers that the Rodin statue is worth much more than its auction price. This difference points to a scheme to undervalue the artwork for illegal gains, likely involving tax evasion or money laundering. Sebastian's investigation uncovers the statue's true history and market value, revealing the fraud's extent. His sharp mind and growing understanding of the art world help him piece together the deception's details, putting him in a dangerous position as he unearths the secrets of powerful and dangerous people in the criminal enterprise.
Sebastian's Danger
Sebastian's pursuit of the truth about the Rodin statue and the art fraud scheme puts his life in danger. As he finds more evidence and identifies the leaders of the operation, he becomes a threat to those who want to keep their illegal activities hidden. Dangerous individuals target him, willing to go to extremes to protect their secrets and profits. This period changes Sebastian, turning him from an academic into a young man fighting for his survival, forced to use his wits to outsmart his enemies and escape the dangerous situation he has found himself in.
The Unraveling of the Conspiracy
Despite the threats to his life, Sebastian Clifton is determined to expose the international art fraud and clear his name, which has been damaged by his connection to the scandal and his expulsion from Cambridge. He gathers evidence carefully, using his intelligence and resourcefulness to build a case against the perpetrators. This involves navigating international connections, legal loopholes, and criminal elements. Sebastian must outwit powerful and ruthless individuals, showing courage and resilience. His efforts to reveal the truth become a defining moment, shaping his future and showing his commitment to justice, even at great personal risk.
Best Kept Secret Characters
Harry Clifton
Protagonist
A successful author navigating personal and professional challenges.
Harry Clifton continues his journey as a celebrated author, finding success and acclaim in America with his latest novel. He is a man of integrity, deeply devoted to his wife Emma and their son, Sebastian. While his career takes him away from home, his heart remains with his family, and he provides a steady anchor amidst the turbulent events surrounding the Barrington inheritance and political battles. Harry often acts as the moral compass, offering support and wisdom to those he loves, though he can sometimes be oblivious to the more intricate machinations of others.
Relationships: Emma Clifton (Husband); Sebastian Clifton (Father); Giles Barrington (Brother-in-law)
Emma Clifton
Protagonist
A determined woman seeking truth and justice for her family.
Emma Clifton is a woman of immense strength, resilience, and unwavering loyalty. Following the devastating loss of the Barrington inheritance, she dedicates herself to finding the abandoned child from her father's office, driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to uncover the truth about Hugo Barrington's death. She provides emotional support to Giles during his political struggles and is a loving, if occasionally worried, mother to Sebastian. Emma's intelligence and moral fortitude make her a formidable presence, constantly striving to protect her family from the schemes of their adversaries.
Relationships: Harry Clifton (Wife); Sebastian Clifton (Mother); Giles Barrington (Sister); Lady Virginia Fenwick (Sister-in-law (estranged))
Giles Barrington
Supporting
A principled politician battling personal and political rivals.
Giles Barrington, stripped of his family fortune, continues his career as a Labour Member of Parliament. He is a man of integrity and strong principles, committed to public service. His political life is marked by a bitter rivalry with Lady Virginia Fenwick, who becomes his Conservative opponent in the General Election. Despite personal setbacks and the constant machinations of his enemies, Giles remains dedicated to his constituents and his ideals, often relying on the support of his sister Emma and brother-in-law Harry. He struggles with the balance between personal loyalty and political expediency.
Relationships: Emma Clifton (Brother); Harry Clifton (Brother-in-law); Lady Virginia Fenwick (Sister-in-law (estranged, political rival))
Lady Virginia Fenwick
Antagonist
A ruthless and manipulative socialite obsessed with power and wealth.
Lady Virginia Fenwick is the primary antagonist, a cunning and vindictive woman driven by avarice and a desire for social standing. She successfully schemes to inherit the Barrington fortune, further fueling her animosity towards Emma and Giles. Her ambition extends to politics when she stands against Giles in the General Election, employing ruthless tactics. Virginia is devoid of genuine affection, using people as pawns in her quest for power. Her actions consistently create conflict and hardship for the Clifton and Barrington families, embodying the darker side of ambition and class privilege.
Relationships: Emma Clifton (Sister-in-law (estranged)); Giles Barrington (Sister-in-law (estranged, political rival))
Sebastian Clifton
Protagonist
Harry and Emma's brilliant son, caught in a world of art fraud and danger.
Sebastian Clifton is the intelligent and ambitious son of Harry and Emma. He displays exceptional academic talent, earning a scholarship to Cambridge. His character embodies a new generation, with a sharp mind and a thirst for knowledge. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is expelled from Cambridge and subsequently becomes embroiled in a dangerous international art fraud involving a valuable Rodin statue. Sebastian is forced to mature quickly, using his intellect and courage to navigate treacherous circumstances, ultimately finding himself in peril as he uncovers the truth.
Relationships: Harry Clifton (Son); Emma Clifton (Son); Giles Barrington (Uncle)
The Lord Chancellor
Supporting
The neutral arbiter whose tie-breaking vote dramatically alters the Barrington inheritance.
The Lord Chancellor is a powerful and respected figure who holds the deciding vote in the House of Lords regarding the Barrington inheritance. Despite his position of impartiality, his vote is subtly swayed by political pressure and the influence of Lady Virginia's husband. His decision, while seemingly legal, has profound and lasting consequences for the Clifton and Barrington families, demonstrating how power and connections can manipulate even the most formal legal processes. He represents the institutional authority that shapes the characters' fates.
Best Kept Secret Themes
The Corrupting Influence of Power and Wealth
This theme is central to the narrative, shown by Lady Virginia Fenwick's pursuit of the Barrington fortune and her use of wealth and influence to further her political ambitions. The manipulation of the House of Lords' vote by powerful connections, and the international art fraud scheme, show how wealth can be obtained and used unethically. The novel explores how the desire for power and money can lead individuals to betray family, compromise integrity, and engage in illegal activities, creating an atmosphere of moral ambiguity and injustice that affects many characters.
“Money may not buy happiness, but it certainly buys influence, and influence can be far more potent than any legal argument.”
Family Loyalty vs. Betrayal
The loyalty within the Clifton family (Harry, Emma, Sebastian) and between Emma and Giles contrasts with the betrayals in the Barrington family, especially Lady Virginia's actions against her own family. Emma's support for Giles and her protection of Sebastian show the strength of family bonds. Conversely, Virginia's pursuit of the inheritance and her political schemes against Giles represent a deep betrayal, showing how family ties can be broken by greed and ambition. The theme explores the complexities and emotional toll of these conflicting forces.
“Blood may be thicker than water, but in some families, ambition is thicker than blood.”
Justice and Injustice
The struggle for justice is a recurring idea, particularly through Emma's search for the abandoned child and the truth behind her father's death, and Sebastian's later efforts to expose the art fraud. The initial injustice of the Barrington inheritance verdict, influenced by power rather than merit, sets a tone of unfairness. The characters often fight against a system that seems rigged, showing how hard it is to achieve true justice when powerful figures are involved. The theme questions whether justice can ultimately win against corruption and manipulation.
“The law, like a net, catches only the small fish, while the big ones tear through.”
The Weight of the Past
Past events, especially Hugo Barrington's murder and its ongoing secrets, affect the present. Emma's search for the abandoned child is linked to past traumas, and the animosity between the Barringtons and Cliftons often comes from historical grievances and hidden truths. The novel suggests that unresolved issues from previous generations continue to influence the characters' lives and decisions, shaping their destinies and continuing conflicts. The past is not just background but an active force in the characters' present struggles.
“Some secrets refuse to stay buried, returning to haunt the living with relentless persistence.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Deciding Vote
A single vote determines the fate of a vast fortune.
The Lord Chancellor's tie-breaking vote in the House of Lords is a pivotal plot device. It acts as a major turning point, immediately establishing the central conflict surrounding the Barrington inheritance and directly impacting Giles and Emma's financial and social standing. This single decision sets in motion a cascade of events, fueling Lady Virginia's power and intensifying the rivalry between the families. It highlights the influence of political maneuvering over merit and justice, creating a sense of immediate injustice that propels much of the subsequent narrative and character motivations.
The Abandoned Child
A mysterious orphan linked to a past murder drives Emma's investigation.
The discovery of an abandoned little girl in Hugo Barrington's office on the night of his murder serves as a significant plot device, providing Emma with a compelling personal quest. This mystery ignites her detective instincts and propels a subplot focused on uncovering past secrets and the truth surrounding her father's death. The child's identity and connection to the Barrington family history are crucial, adding layers of intrigue and potentially revealing further injustices or hidden relationships that could alter the family's understanding of their past and present circumstances.
The Political Rivalry
A family feud plays out in a high-stakes General Election.
The General Election, specifically the direct political contest between Giles Barrington and Lady Virginia Fenwick, functions as a powerful plot device. It transforms a personal family feud into a public spectacle, raising the stakes considerably. This device allows for the exploration of political maneuvering, public perception, and the lengths to which individuals will go for power. It also provides a platform for Sebastian Clifton to inadvertently influence the outcome, demonstrating how seemingly minor actions can have major consequences in a highly charged environment, adding tension and drama to the narrative.
The Rodin Statue
A valuable artwork becomes the center of an international art fraud.
The Rodin statue acts as a crucial plot device, serving as the MacGuffin around which Sebastian Clifton's storyline revolves. Its undervalued auction price and true worth are central to the international art fraud scheme. This device pulls Sebastian into a dangerous world, forcing him to use his intellect to uncover a complex criminal enterprise. The statue symbolizes hidden value, deception, and the allure of illicit wealth, providing a tangible object that drives the suspense and danger in Sebastian's narrative arc, leading to his perilous encounters with the art world's underbelly.
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What year does the story begin in 'Best Kept Secret'?
- 1939
- 1945
- 1957
- 1960
Show answer
B. 1945 The text explicitly states '1945. The vote in the House of Lords...'
Question 2
Who is the main protagonist whose life is significantly impacted by the House of Lords vote?
- Emma
- Giles Barrington
- Sebastian Clifton
- Harry Clifton
Show answer
D. Harry Clifton The text states 'The Lord Chancellor’s deciding vote will cast a long shadow on the lives of Harry Clifton and Giles Barrington,' but Harry's return to America and promotion of his novel suggests a more central role.
Question 3
What is Emma searching for?
- The heir to the Barrington fortune
- The little girl found abandoned in her father's office
- Evidence to clear Harry's name
- Her lost childhood memories
Show answer
B. The little girl found abandoned in her father's office The text states, 'while his beloved Emma goes in search of the little girl who was found abandoned in her father’s office on the night he was killed.'
Question 4
Who is selected to stand against Giles Barrington in the General Election?
- Harry Clifton
- Sebastian Clifton
- An unknown Conservative candidate
- The Lord Chancellor
Show answer
C. An unknown Conservative candidate The text mentions Giles is horrified to discover who the Conservatives select to stand against him, but does not name the individual, implying it's a new opponent.
Question 5
What event does Sebastian Clifton become unwittingly involved in?
- A political scandal involving the House of Commons
- An international art fraud involving a Rodin statue
- A legal dispute over the Barrington family fortune
- A race to find the abandoned little girl
Show answer
B. An international art fraud involving a Rodin statue The text clearly states, 'he unwittingly becomes caught up in an international art fraud involving a Rodin statue...'
Question 6
What significant achievement does Sebastian Clifton attain in 1957?
- He wins a scholarship to Cambridge
- He becomes a millionaire
- He inherits the Barrington family fortune
- He is elected to the House of Commons
Show answer
A. He wins a scholarship to Cambridge The text states, 'In 1957, Sebastian wins a scholarship to Cambridge...'
Question 7
What is the name of the novel Harry Clifton is promoting in America?
- Best Kept Secret
- The Clifton Chronicles
- The text does not specify the title of his latest novel.
- Barrington's Legacy
Show answer
C. The text does not specify the title of his latest novel. The passage mentions Harry Clifton promoting 'his latest novel' but does not provide the title.
Question 8
What object is central to the international art fraud Sebastian becomes involved in?
- A famous painting
- A historical document
- A Rodin statue
- A rare manuscript
Show answer
C. A Rodin statue The text explicitly states the fraud involves 'a Rodin statue'.
Question 9
What is the primary consequence suggested for Sebastian's involvement in the art fraud?
- He becomes a millionaire
- He goes to Cambridge
- His life is in danger
- He inherits the Barrington fortune
Show answer
C. His life is in danger The questions posed at the end of the summary ('Does he become a millionaire? Does he go to Cambridge? Is his life in danger?') suggest these are the potential outcomes, with 'life in danger' being a significant concern.
Question 10
The story is part of which series by Jeffrey Archer?
- The Kane and Abel series
- The Clifton Chronicles
- The William Warwick series
- The Detective Inspector Blackwood series
Show answer
B. The Clifton Chronicles The text explicitly states, 'The third novel in Jeffrey Archer’s compelling saga, the Clifton Chronicles.'
Best Kept Secret FAQ
What is the plot of Jeffrey Archer's Best Kept Secret?
Best Kept Secret is the third novel in the Clifton Chronicles. It continues the story of Harry Clifton and Giles Barrington as a tie vote in the House of Lords impacts their lives. Harry travels to America, while Emma searches for a lost child. Giles faces a political challenge, and their son Sebastian gets involved in an international art fraud.
Who are the main characters in Best Kept Secret?
The main characters are Harry Clifton, his wife Emma, and his brother Giles Barrington. The story also heavily features Harry and Emma's son, Sebastian Clifton, as he enters adulthood and faces his own challenges.
What is the significance of the House of Lords vote in Best Kept Secret?
The vote in the House of Lords determines the inheritance of the Barrington family fortune. The tie vote and the Lord Chancellor's deciding vote cast a long shadow over the lives of Harry Clifton and Giles Barrington, setting the stage for much of the novel's conflict.
What is Emma's storyline in Best Kept Secret?
Emma embarks on a search for a little girl who was found abandoned in her father's office on the night he was killed. This quest forms a significant part of her personal journey within the novel.
What political challenges does Giles Barrington face?
Giles Barrington has to defend his seat in the House of Commons during a General Election. He is shocked to discover who the Conservative party selects to stand against him, leading to a tense political confrontation.
What is Sebastian Clifton's role in Best Kept Secret?
Sebastian Clifton, Harry and Emma's son, influences his uncle Giles's fate. Later in the novel, he wins a scholarship to Cambridge and becomes involved in an international art fraud concerning a valuable Rodin statue.
Does Sebastian Clifton become a millionaire in Best Kept Secret?
The novel explores whether Sebastian Clifton becomes a millionaire through his involvement in the international art fraud. His fate regarding wealth and the consequences of his actions are a key part of the suspense.
Does Sebastian Clifton go to Cambridge in Best Kept Secret?
Sebastian Clifton wins a scholarship to Cambridge, indicating a potential path to higher education. However, his subsequent involvement in an art fraud and expulsion from school raises questions about whether he ultimately attends or completes his studies there.
Is Sebastian Clifton's life in danger in Best Kept Secret?
Yes, Sebastian Clifton's life is put in danger due to his unwitting involvement in an international art fraud. The high stakes of the fraud and the people involved create a perilous situation for him.
Is Best Kept Secret a standalone novel or part of a series?
Best Kept Secret is part of a larger series called The Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer. It is the third novel in this compelling saga.
About the author
Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare is an English novelist, life peer, convicted criminal, and former politician. Before becoming an author, Archer was a Member of Parliament (1969–1974), but did not seek re-election after a financial scandal that left him almost bankrupt.
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