The Romance of Certain Old Clothes

The Romance of Certain Old Clothes

In the mid-eighteenth century, a widowed gentlewoman in Massachusetts, Mrs. Veronica Wingrave, raises her three children: Bernard, Rosalind, and Perdita. Bernard is sent to England for education, returning home to find his sisters charming and accomplished. Arthur Lloyd, a friend from college, visits and becomes the object of affection for both sisters, leading to a rivalry that simmers beneath the surface. As Bernard prepares to marry, Perdita becomes engaged to Arthur, which ignites jealousy in Rosalind. Despite her initial bitterness, Rosalind helps Perdita prepare for her wedding, but the tension between the sisters remains palpable. After Perdita marries, she quickly becomes ill and dies after giving birth, leaving Arthur a widower. Rosalind, now living with Arthur and his daughter, begins to rekindle her feelings for him. Arthur, unaware of Rosalind's true intentions, finds himself drawn to her charm. Their relationship grows closer, leading to Rosalind's eventual seduction of Arthur, culminating in their secret marriage. As Rosalind settles into her new role, she becomes increasingly obsessed with the luxurious wardrobe left behind by Perdita, which Arthur had promised to keep for their daughter. Rosalind's desire for the dresses leads to conflict with Arthur, who remains steadfast in his promise to his late wife. The story escalates when Rosalind, in a fit of jealousy and desperation, seeks to claim Perdita's possessions. In a climactic moment, she discovers the chest containing Perdita's gowns and, in a moment of madness, is found dead, marked by the vengeful spirits of her sister and the life she coveted. The narrative explores themes of jealousy, rivalry, and the consequences of desire, ultimately leading to tragedy.

By Henry James · First published 1868 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance · 9,305 words

First lines

Towards the middle of the eighteenth century there lived in the Province of Massachusetts a widowed gentlewoman, the mother of three children, by name Mrs Veronica Wingrave. She had lost her husband early in life, and had devoted herself to the care of her progeny. These young persons grew up in a manner to reward her tenderness and to gratify her highest hopes. The first-born was a son, whom she had called Bernard, after his father. The others were daughters -- born at an interval of three years apart. Good looks were traditional in the family, and this youthful trio were not likely to allow the tradition to perish. The boy was of that fair and ruddy complexion and that athletic structure which in those days (as in these) were the sign of good English descent -- a frank, affectionate young fellow, a deferential son, a patronizing brother, a steadfast friend. Clever, however, he was not; the wit of the family had been apportioned chiefly to his sisters. The late Mr Wingrave had been a great reader of Shakespeare, at a time when this pursuit implied more freedom of thought than at the present day, and in a community where it required much courage to patronize the drama even in the closet: and he had wished to call attention to his admiration of the great poet by calling his daughters out of his favourite plays.

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romance · gothic · mystery · historical · family · inheritance · jealousy · betrayal · supernatural · clothing · identity · secrets

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