Red Rose and Tiger Lily; Or, In a Wider World

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23022

Title

Red Rose and Tiger Lily; Or, In a Wider World

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A charming Victorian tale of family dynamics and social intrigue, this novel follows Hester Thornton as she welcomes her spirited younger sister Nan and her friend Annie Forest home. Complications arise when a mysterious letter regarding a lost ring surfaces, threatening to expose Annie's deception. The story balances domestic warmth with suspenseful plot twists involving a wealthy suitor, a secret inheritance, and the restoration of a family estate, all set against the backdrop of high-society gatherings and heartfelt reunions.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the English countryside at the Grange, L. T. Meade's *Red Rose and Tiger Lily; Or, In a Wider World* explores the dynamics of the Thornton household as it prepares for a grand ball and a festive reunion with the Lorrimers. The narrative centers on Hester Thornton, a seventeen-year-old of calm demeanor and strong sense of duty who manages the home while her reserved father, Sir John, contemplates remarriage. The household's order is disrupted by the arrival of Hester's lively younger sister, Nan, and her spirited friend, Annie Forest. Tension arises when a letter from Annie's mentor, Mrs. Willis, fails to reach her; to protect a borrowed ring, Annie lies about receiving the correspondence, setting in motion a web of deception. As the family anticipates the arrival of the Lorrimers, secrets threaten to unravel, particularly regarding Annie's dishonesty and the financial troubles facing the Lorrimers, who face the prospect of selling their ancestral home, the Towers. A turning point occurs when a mysterious girl named Antonia intervenes. Antonia suggests a solution to Sir John's business difficulties, leading him to secure a loan that saves the Lorrimers from financial ruin. This act of generosity allows the Lorrimers to retain their home. The story culminates in a joyous reunion where the financial salvation is celebrated. Through witty dialogue and emotional depth, the novel captures Victorian family life, blending romance with moral lessons on integrity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. Themes of deception versus redemption are woven throughout, as characters like Annie struggle with guilt while others, like Antonia, demonstrate selfless kindness. The narrative ultimately affirms the value of honesty and the transformative power of compassion within a close-knit community.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23022.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg23022.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Family Life