The Twelfth Hour

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27554

Title

The Twelfth Hour

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Edwardian London, Ada Leverson's *The Twelfth Hour* weaves a satirical yet affectionate tapestry of high society, artistic struggle, and romantic entanglements. Through the eyes of the spirited Felicity Chetwode and her brother Savile, the novel explores the clash between old-world tradition and modern eccentricity, offering a witty critique of social conventions while celebrating the enduring power of love and family bonds.

Summary up to 500 words

Ada Leverson's *The Twelfth Hour* presents a vibrant, satirical portrait of late Victorian society, weaving together the domestic lives of the Chetwode family with the romantic entanglements of their wider circle. The narrative centers on Felicity Chetwode, a radiant and modern beauty married to the eccentric Lord Chetwode, a wealthy racing enthusiast whose life is dominated by horse racing and an obsessive collection of antiques. His frequent absences contrast sharply with Felicity's vibrant spirit and her devotion to him, despite his inability to prioritize her social needs over his horses or his father's parties. The plot deepens through the arrival of Frank Woodville, an artist struggling in a Chelsea studio, and his fiancée, Sylvia. Frank faces pressure from his uncle, the flamboyant Greek banker Ridokanaki, to accept a lucrative position in Athens. Ridokanaki's schemes are complicated by his own sudden engagement to a young Frenchwoman, Gabrielle. This development inadvertently clears the path for Frank and Sylvia to marry, resolving the tension between financial necessity, duty, and personal happiness. The story expands to include a colorful cast of characters, including the vain but charming Mrs. Ogilvie (Vera), the intellectual Lucy Winter, and the dashing inventor Roy Beaumont. Scenes shift between the lavish, archaic dinners at Aunt William's house, filled with outdated fashions and social maneuvering, and the gritty reality of Woodville's art studio. Themes of class, the role of women, and the absurdity of social climbing are woven into the dialogue. The novel explores the complexities of affection versus social expectation, particularly through Savile Chetwode's complicated feelings for his aunt, Aunt William, and his own romantic troubles. Ultimately, the novel resolves with Frank and Sylvia's marriage, facilitated by Ridokanaki's departure for Paris and the eventual approval of Sir James Woodville. The story concludes with a celebration of the couple's union, highlighting the triumph of genuine affection over social pretense, all framed by the Chetwode family's unique, chaotic, and loving dynamic. Through this lens, Leverson critiques the rigid social structures of her time while celebrating the resilience of true love.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg27554.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Social Life