A Cathedral Courtship

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25493

Title

A Cathedral Courtship

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A witty, romantic comedy of manners following Katharine Schuyler and her High Church aunt on a rigid itinerary of English cathedral towns. As they traverse Winchester, Oxford, and beyond, Katharine falls for architect John Quincy Copley, leading to a charming courtship filled with architectural observations, cultural clashes, and humorous misunderstandings.

Summary up to 500 words

In Kate Douglas Wiggin's *A Cathedral Courtship*, the narrative follows Katharine Schuyler and her devout, High Church aunt, Celia, on a rigorous tour of English cathedral cities including Winchester, Salisbury, Bath, and Oxford. Celia intends to convert Katharine, a Unitarian, to ritualistic Anglicanism, while Katharine hopes to enjoy the sights and find a suitor. Their journey is interrupted by the arrival of John Quincy Copley, an American architect. Initially viewed with suspicion by Katharine, Copley wins her over through shared meals, architectural sketching, and deep conversations about Gothic design. Aunt Celia, initially wary, warms to Copley's character and his respect for her niece. The story is told through Katharine's diary entries, blending romantic sentiment with sharp social commentary. Katharine humorously documents her internal monologues, her growing affection for Copley, and her struggles with Aunt Celia's strict itinerary. The narrative details their travels, from the awe-inspiring evensong in Winchester to the frantic search for Copley in the vast, empty cathedral of Ely. A pivotal moment occurs in Oxford, where Copley sketches for Aunt Celia and exchanges cards with Katharine, signaling the beginning of their courtship. As the tour progresses through Lincoln, York, and Durham, the focus shifts entirely to the developing romance. Katharine's sketches in her notebook increasingly feature Copley, documenting his kindness, his pride in his work, and his consideration for others. The couple eventually confesses their love in Canterbury, resolving a misunderstanding involving a frightened bull. The novel culminates in a tender proposal and acceptance, celebrating the union of two souls against a backdrop of magnificent architecture. Through this courtship, the story explores themes of faith, architectural appreciation, and the transformative power of love, all wrapped in Wiggin's characteristic wit and charm.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Romance
• Fiction
• Travel