Borrowed feathers

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78051

Title

Borrowed feathers

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Victorian England, this novel follows Annette Clifford, a spirited but impoverished girl left to manage a large household alone. Her godmother, Mrs. Worsley, arrives to help, revealing the family's financial struggles and social pretensions. The story explores themes of poverty, pride, and the contrast between outward appearances and inner worth, culminating in a heartwarming tale of true love and selfless generosity.

Summary up to 500 words

In Ruth Lamb's *Borrowed Feathers*, the narrative centers on Annette Clifford, a spirited but impoverished girl left to manage her family's large estate, Heydon Hill, while her mother and sister are away. Despite their financial struggles and an inefficient, deaf servant, Annette's mother, the former heiress Miss Heydon, insists on maintaining the appearance of wealth, keeping a maid and living 'en grande dame.' Annette's godmother, Mrs. Worsley, arrives unexpectedly and uncovers the harsh reality of the household. Moved by Annette's pride and hidden poverty, Mrs. Worsley secretly funds the girl's travel expenses and provides new clothes, enabling her to join the family at Mrs. Worsley's brother's wealthy estate, Broadlands. At Broadlands, Annette meets Arthur Boyd, the heir to a substantial fortune. The two develop a deep affection, yet a tragic misunderstanding arises when Annette is seen wearing a borrowed diamond ring. Arthur, believing she has accepted another suitor, retreats in heartbreak. The crisis is resolved when Annette discovers the ring was misplaced in a kitchen drainer and returns it. Mrs. Worsley explains she lent the ring to protect Annette's modesty until she could afford her own jewels. The misunderstanding clears, Arthur proposes, and the novel concludes with their marriage. The story serves as a moral lesson on humility, faith, and the dangers of judging others by external circumstances. Through Annette's journey from feeling like a 'Cinderella' in 'borrowed feathers' to finding true happiness, the narrative emphasizes that virtues like truth, modesty, and a faithful heart are superior adornments to material wealth. The tale ultimately celebrates the rewards of integrity and the transformative power of genuine love over societal pretense.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78051.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg78051.epub

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Romance
• Young Women