The narrative unfolds through the recollections of Aunt Mary, who recounts her summer meeting with Margaret Tennant, a charming and popular Bostonian. Their friendship blossoms during a stay in the mountains, leading to a winter visit at Margaret's home in Boston, where they enjoy the company of Anne Langdon, another mutual friend. The story takes a turn when Margaret decides to share a tale about Kitty Bruce and her first encounter with Mr. Philip Bruce, a young Englishman. Kitty, three years older than Margaret, is depicted as a vivacious and witty young woman. The story begins with a dinner party at Kitty's home, where a sudden staffing crisis leads her to devise a plan to serve as a waitress, disguised in a servant's apron. This playful deception is motivated by her desire to entertain the guests, who are all strangers to her, including Mr. Bruce. The dinner unfolds with Kitty successfully navigating her role, capturing the attention of Mr. Bruce, who is intrigued by her beauty and grace. As the evening progresses, Kitty's charm and wit shine through, despite her efforts to remain inconspicuous. Mr. Bruce, however, is captivated by her, leading to a series of misunderstandings. After the dinner, Kitty and her family return to their normal lives, and she continues to receive letters from Margaret, who is curious about the mysterious Mr. Bruce. Kitty's subsequent letters reveal her growing interest in Mr. Bruce, who appears at various social events, watching her from a distance. Despite his apparent aloofness, Kitty senses a connection, leading to her internal conflict about her feelings. The narrative captures her youthful exuberance and the complexities of social interactions in their world. Eventually, the story culminates in a twist of fate when Kitty learns that Mr. Bruce is actually the same man she had served at the dinner party. Their paths cross again when Mr. Bruce visits her uncle, leading to a humorous revelation about their previous encounter. The misunderstanding is resolved, and Mr. Bruce expresses his admiration for Kitty, leading to a blossoming romance. The tale concludes with their eventual marriage, highlighting themes of love, social class, and the serendipitous nature of relationships. The characters' development and the interplay of humor and romance create a rich tapestry of life in Boston during that era, showcasing the charm and wit of the protagonists. The story encapsulates the essence of youthful folly, the importance of friendship, and the unexpected turns that life can take.
By Sarah Orne Jewett · First published 1886 · Genre: Romance, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction