Faithful Margaret: A Novel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

36360

Title

Faithful Margaret: A Novel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A Victorian tale of devotion and redemption, *Faithful Margaret* follows a humble companion who risks everything to save her dying mistress's beloved grandson from a life of ruin. Blending romance, suspense, and moral fortitude, this novel explores themes of self-sacrifice, the power of enduring love, and the possibility of transforming a cynical soul through unwavering faithfulness.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Faithful Margaret: A Novel*, Mrs. J. M. Simpson weaves a tale of redemption, treachery, and moral reckoning set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The story centers on Margaret Walsingham, an orphaned sea-captain's daughter who serves as a companion to the eccentric and wealthy Ethel Brand. As Mrs. Brand nears death, she reveals her plan to marry her cynical, atheistic grandson, St. Udo Brand, to Margaret, hoping her purity will redeem him from a life of vice. Despite Margaret's terror and pleas to revoke the will, the dying woman insists, bequeathing her estate to Margaret if St. Udo refuses her hand. Upon Mrs. Brand's death, Margaret refuses the inheritance, choosing instead to leave and find work elsewhere. Her journey is abruptly halted by a catastrophic train crash that leaves her injured and stranded. Meanwhile, St. Udo, now a colonel in the Union Army, is haunted by Thoms, his elderly valet whom he despises. Thoms secretly spies on the colonel, recording his life and plotting a complex mix of loyalty and revenge. During a battle, Thoms saves St. Udo's life, earning the colonel's gratitude and forgiveness. However, St. Udo's friend, the Chevalier de Calembours, betrays him to the Confederates. St. Udo flees, pursued by Thoms, who has been secretly documenting the colonel's life. The narrative navigates scenes of battlefield heroism and romantic longing. Thoms, driven by hidden motives, ultimately aids St. Udo, revealing a depth of character that challenges the colonel's cynicism. The story culminates in dramatic revelations regarding the threats facing both protagonists. Love and integrity triumph over treachery and despair. The novel concludes with St. Udo finding peace and Margaret securing a happy destiny, validating the grandmother's faith in her chosen path. Through these events, the novel explores themes of faith versus atheism, the capacity for change, and the redemptive power of enduring love.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/36360.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg36360.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-01 19:37 UTC

Categories

• Fiction