The story revolves around Ophelia Gledd, a young woman from Boston who is engaged to marry John Pryor. However, her affections are also sought after by Hannibal Hoskins, who has been trying to win her over. Despite her initial reluctance, Ophelia eventually accepts John's proposal and they get married in Boston. The story takes a turn when Ophelia reveals that she is afraid of John's mother and sisters, who live in London. She fears that they will not accept her as one of their own due to her American background. To alleviate her concerns, John promises to return with her to America if his family does not approve of her. The question remains whether Ophelia will be received as a lady in London by John's family. The story raises questions about social class and acceptance, particularly in the context of cultural differences between America and England. The narrative is written in a style that is reminiscent of 19th-century literature, with a focus on character development and dialogue. The author uses humor and wit to describe the characters and their interactions, making the story engaging and entertaining. Overall, the story explores themes of love, social class, and cultural differences, raising questions about what it means to be a lady in different societies.
By Anthony Trollope · First published 1879 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction