Bestsellers, American, 1895-1923Browsing: Culture/Civilization/SocietyBrowsing: FictionBrowsing: History - GeneralBrowsing: LiteratureHistorical FictionNobility -- FictionProject Gutenberg
A Lady of Quality
Free
TeensA novel written during the late 19th century. This fiction work delves into the life of a young lady named Clorinda, born into a tumultuous familial environment marked by her father's loud and boisterous behavior and her mother’s tragic demise following childbirth. The story explores Clorinda's unusual upbringing and the struggle between her spirits and societal expectations as she emerges into womanhood. The opening of the novel introduces us to the chaotic world of Wildairs Hall, where we meet Sir Jeoffry, a disgruntled father, ready to embark on a hunting escapade, seemingly indifferent to the troubles of his household, including the birth of another daughter. Meanwhile, Lady Daphne, his wife, lies weak and neglected after giving birth to Clorinda, ultimately succumbing to her despair. As the narrative unfolds, we see glimpses of Clorinda's fiery temperament and fierce spirit take shape amidst a backdrop of disreputable family conditions, promising a journey of growth, resilience, and the quest for identity in a world that offers her little tenderness.
Table of content
The twenty-fourth day of November 1690
In which Sir Jeoffry encounters his offspring
Wherein Sir Jeoffry’s boon companions drink a toast
“Not I,” said she. “There thou mayst trust me. I would not be found out.”
Relating how Mistress Anne discovered a miniature
’Twas the face of Sir John Oxon the moon shone upon
Two meet in the deserted rose garden, and the old Earl of Dunstanwolde is made a happy man
“I give to him the thing he craves with all his soul—myself”
Wherein a noble life comes to an end
In which Sir John Oxon finds again a trophy he had lost
Dealing with that which was done in the Panelled Parlour
Wherein his Grace of Osmonde’s courier arrives from France
My Lady Dunstanwolde sits late alone and writes
A piteous story is told, and the old cellars walled in
The doves sate upon the window-ledge and lowly cooed and cooed
