In Her Own Right

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27454

Title

In Her Own Right

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A wealthy heir, Geoffrey Croyden, flees the cutthroat social scene of Northumberland after a devastating financial loss, seeking refuge in the quiet, aristocratic community of Clarendon. There, he inherits a mysterious fortune hidden by his ancestor, Robert Parmenter, a former pirate. As Croyden navigates local customs and relationships, he uncovers a treasure trove of jewels, finding redemption and a new purpose in a world where lineage and character matter more than money.

Summary up to 500 words

In John Reed Scott's *In Her Own Right*, Geoffrey Croyden, the son of Marmaduke Duval, finds himself in a precarious financial position after losing his fortune in a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by the notorious firm Royster & Axtell. Having recently inherited the estate of Clarendon from his friend, the late Colonel Duval, Croyden decides to abandon the corrupt, money-obsessed society of Northumberland for the more genuine life of the Eastern Shore. Upon arriving at the estate, he is greeted by the elderly caretaker, Old Mose, and the housekeeper, Josephine. While settling in, Croyden discovers a secret letter left by his ancestor, Robert Parmenter, a pirate who buried a vast treasure of jewels in 1720. The letter stipulates that the treasure be used only in an 'extremity of need.' Previous generations, including Croyden's father and grandfather, had passed the letter down but never felt the necessity to use the jewels. Croyden, however, facing bankruptcy and a desire to rebuild his life, decides to honor his ancestor's adventurous spirit by digging up the treasure to help those in need and restore his own standing. With the help of his loyal friend Macloud, Croyden locates the hidden box in the cellar of Clarendon. Upon opening it, they are amazed to find a magnificent collection of rubies, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, pearls, and opals. The story explores themes of inheritance, the value of character over wealth, and the enduring legacy of the past. Croyden realizes that the treasure is not just wealth, but a symbol of a fresh start. He uses the jewels to help others and restore his reputation, finding a new purpose in a community that values birth and culture over mere bank accounts. The narrative contrasts the cutthroat world of Northumberland with the gentler, more authentic life on the Eastern Shore, highlighting the redemptive power of integrity and the courage to embrace a new chapter in life.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg27454.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Romance
• Mystery