Arthur's Inheritance by Emma Leslie
Arthur, a young boy from a once-wealthy family, takes a job at Brading's Emporium to support his family after his father's death. His decision to work in a shop is met with mixed reactions from his family, who are concerned about maintaining their social status. Arthur's mother, Mrs. Murray, is an invalid, and his sisters, Annie and Molly, struggle with the family's reduced circumstances. Arthur's employment is complicated by the disappearance of a letter containing a cheque from Lady Mary Murray, a relative who harbors a strong dislike for Arthur. Lady Mary accuses Arthur of stealing the cheque, leading to his arrest. However, Arthur maintains his innocence, and with the help of Mr. Andrews, the family lawyer, he is eventually exonerated when the letter is found at a paper mill. Throughout the story, Arthur's determination to clear his name and support his family is evident. His character is tested by the suspicion and prejudice of others, but he remains steadfast in his resolve. The story highlights themes of family loyalty, social class, and the struggle to maintain one's integrity in the face of adversity. Arthur's journey is one of personal growth, as he learns to navigate the challenges of his new life while holding onto his values and aspirations.
By Emma Leslie · First published 1986 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Family Saga · 14 chapters · 54,827 words
First lines
"WELL, I've done it, and if there should be a row, you girls must help me to get out of it with the Mater."
The speaker was a tall, well-grown lad about fifteen. His two sisters might have been a year older and a year younger, judging by their looks. They were both sewing, but dropped their work as the lad seated himself at the opposite side of the table.
What this Textopian page supports
Arthur's Inheritance is listed on Textopian as a novel by Emma Leslie, dated 1986 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Emma Leslie
- Date: 1986 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Family Saga, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 54,827 words
- Structure: 14 chapters, 1,149 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Arthur's Inheritance by Emma Leslie
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative likely immerses readers in a detailed period setting where legacy and family history are central themes.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around unraveling secrets and hidden pasts related to Arthur's inheritance, fostering an atmosphere of intrigue.
- Family Saga — The book explores generational conflicts, personal histories, and complex familial relationships tied to inheritance.
- Gothic Fiction — Elements of dark atmosphere, brooding settings, and underlying suspense contribute to a gothic tone throughout the narrative.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · medieval · inheritance · mystery · legacy · destiny · knight · betrayal · magic · epic · power
Contents
- A County Family
- A Start in Life
- Mrs. Murray
- How to Make Ends Meet
- An Invitation
- An Unexpected Meeting
- Lady Mary
- What Could she do?
- A Black Eye
- The New Railway
- What did he Mean?
- A Surprise for Arthur
- A Shock for Mr. Andrews
- Turning the Tables