A Bankrupt Heart, Volume I

A Bankrupt Heart, Volume I by Florence Marryat

The narrative revolves around Miss Llewellyn, a housekeeper for Lord Ilfracombe, who is deeply attached to him. Despite her nominal position, she enjoys a luxurious lifestyle and holds significant influence in the household. The story unfolds with Miss Llewellyn receiving a letter from Lord Ilfracombe, who is away in Malta, suggesting she take a holiday. However, the letter also hints at a mysterious message from Mr. Sterndale, which leaves her anxious. Miss Llewellyn's sister, Hetty, unexpectedly visits with her new husband, William Owen, bringing news from their hometown, Usk. The reunion is bittersweet, as Miss Llewellyn is reminded of her roots and the life she left behind. Her attachment to Lord Ilfracombe is evident, and she is torn between her past and present. The plot thickens when Mr. Sterndale, Lord Ilfracombe's solicitor, visits Miss Llewellyn to deliver shocking news: Lord Ilfracombe is engaged to be married to another woman, Miss Leonora Abinger. This revelation shatters Miss Llewellyn, who had believed in her unique bond with the earl. Despite the offer of a financial settlement, she refuses to accept it, feeling betrayed and heartbroken. Miss Llewellyn's despair leads her to a drastic decision. She leaves the house and attempts suicide by jumping into the Thames. However, she is rescued by two watermen and taken to a humble home, where she recovers physically but remains emotionally devastated. Realizing she cannot return to her former life, she decides to go back to her family in Usk. Upon returning home, Miss Llewellyn struggles to reintegrate into her old life. Her family is unaware of her past with Lord Ilfracombe, and she is haunted by her experiences in London. Her mental state deteriorates, leading to a nervous fever. Meanwhile, Lord Ilfracombe, now married to Nora, is unaware of Miss Llewellyn's fate. He is preoccupied with his new life and the challenges of marriage. The story concludes with the revelation of Miss Llewellyn's tragic end, leaving Lord Ilfracombe to grapple with guilt and the consequences of his actions.

By Florence Marryat · First published 1877 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Social Criticism · 10 chapters · 53,100 words

First lines

Miss Llewellyn was standing at the window of her own room, in the house of Lord Ilfracombe in Grosvenor Square, gazing at the dust-laden and burnt-up leaves and grass in the gardens before her. It was an afternoon towards the close of July, and all the fashionable world was already out of town. Miss Llewellyn had been reared in the country, and she could not help thinking how that same sun that had burnt up all the verdure of which London could boast, had glorified the vegetation of far-off Wales. How it must have enriched the pasture lands, and ripened the waving corn, and decked the very hedges and ditches with beautiful, fresh flowers, which were to be had for the gathering. Her thoughts went back to rural Usk where King Arthur built a bower for Guinevere, and in fancy she felt the cool air blowing over its fragrant fields and woods. She heaved a deep sigh as she remembered the place of her birth, and, as if in reproach for such heresy to her present condition, she drew a letter from her pocket and opened its pages.

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A Bankrupt Heart, Volume I is listed on Textopian as a novella by Florence Marryat, dated 1877 CE.

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Genres

Tags

Victorian literature · dramatic fiction · social commentary · emotional turmoil · personal downfall · financial ruin · domestic drama · character study · psychological narrative · sentimental · melodrama · romantic literature

Contents

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