The Little Colonel: Maid of Honor

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21248

Title

The Little Colonel: Maid of Honor

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the picturesque Warwick Hall in Kentucky, this story follows Betty Lewis, the brilliant editor of the school magazine, as she navigates the excitement of a second house-party and a grand wedding. Blending Southern charm with youthful romance and literary ambition, the narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bittersweet transition from girlhood to womanhood.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Warwick Hall and the historic Kentucky estate known as 'The Locusts,' Annie Fellows Johnston's *The Little Colonel: Maid of Honor* captures the essence of Southern girlhood through the eyes of Betty Lewis, a talented and somewhat solitary student. The narrative opens with Betty composing verses for her school's souvenir volume, a task she undertakes with the dedication of a young genius. Her quiet solitude is soon disrupted by the arrival of news that transforms her school life into a grand celebration. Betty's godmother, Elizabeth, has arranged a second house-party to coincide with the wedding of Betty's close friend, Eugenia Forbes, to Stuart Tremont. Betty, along with her friends Joyce and Mary, is selected to serve as maids of honor, marking a significant transition from their school days to the complexities of adult social rituals. The story delves deeply into the preparations for this dual event: the wedding and the house-party. As the bridal party arrives, the atmosphere shifts from anticipation to bustling celebration, filled with poetry, music, and the specific social customs of the era. A central theme of the novel is the exploration of friendship and the subtle, often unspoken tensions that arise among the girls. Mary, in particular, grapples with her feelings for Phil, who is courting Lloyd Sherman, another friend of Betty's. Mary's internal conflict is highlighted by her desire to act as an 'angel unawares,' smoothing over misunderstandings between the couples, a role she views as a noble duty. The narrative captures the romantic tensions surrounding the event, as well as the girls' anxieties about new guests and the shifting dynamics of their relationships. Johnston uses detailed descriptions of the setting—the sun-dial in the garden, the orchard for photographs, and the willow-shaded terraces—to enhance the mood of the story. The text emphasizes the innocence and idealism of the young women, who view their friends' marriages through a lens of poetic romance and high ideals. Through the interactions between characters like the literary Betty, the spirited Joyce, and the observant Mary, the book offers a tender look at the first steps into adult life. It portrays a world where social standing, family history, and personal affection intertwine, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of young women in the American South at the turn of the century. Ultimately, the novel celebrates the bonds of friendship and the bittersweet nature of growing up, as the beloved Eugenia prepares to leave her maiden name behind to become Mrs. Stuart Tremont.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Weddings