The Laurel Bush by Dinah Mulock

Name: The Laurel Bush
Author: Dinah Mulock

The narrative centers on the evolving relationship between a governess and her tutor, set against the backdrop of a summer spent with mischievous boys in a garden. The story begins with a description of an unattractive laurel bush, which serves as a meeting point for the two main characters, Miss Williams and Mr. Roy. Both are orphans, dedicated to their work, and find solace in each other's company amidst their mundane lives. Their interactions reveal a deepening bond, characterized by unspoken feelings and mutual respect. As they navigate their daily routines, the tension between their professional roles and personal emotions grows. Mr. Roy receives an offer to work in India, prompting a pivotal moment in their relationship. The prospect of separation forces Miss Williams to confront her feelings for him, leading to a poignant exchange filled with unexpressed love and longing. Despite their connection, neither is willing to breach the unspoken barrier that separates them, resulting in a bittersweet farewell. The story explores themes of love, duty, and the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires. Ultimately, it captures the essence of unfulfilled love and the heartache of potential separation, leaving the characters at a crossroads in their lives.

By Dinah Mulock · First published 1854 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama · 6 chapters · 44,156 words

First lines

It was a very ugly bush indeed; that is, so far as any thing in nature can be really ugly. It was lopsided -- having on the one hand a stunted stump or two, while on the other a huge heavy branch swept down to the gravel-walk. It had a crooked gnarled trunk or stem, hollow enough to entice any weak-minded bird to build a nest there -- only it was so near to the ground, and also to the garden gate. Besides, the owners of the garden, evidently of practical mind, had made use of it to place between a fork in its branches a sort of letter-box -- not the government regulation one, for twenty years ago this had not been thought of; but a rough receptacle, where, the house being a good way off, letters might be deposited, instead of; as hitherto, in a hole in the trunk -- near the foot of the tree, and under shelter of its mass of evergreen leaves.

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The Laurel Bush is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dinah Mulock, dated 1854 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Dinah Mulock
Date: 1854 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
Length: 44,156 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 624 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The plot revolves primarily around the romantic relationships between characters, specifically set in a historical period.
Historical Fiction — The book is set in a specific historical period and includes details and events from that time.
Drama — The book presents high emotional stakes and dramatic character interactions.