A Heart-Song of To-day (Disturbed by Fire from the 'Unruly Member'): A Novel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

7184

Title

A Heart-Song of To-day (Disturbed by Fire from the 'Unruly Member'): A Novel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in high-society London, this novel explores the turbulent romantic entanglements of wealthy widows, dashing captains, and ambitious heiresses. Blending satire with intense emotion, the story delves into themes of social status, hidden pasts, and the destructive power of passion, offering a vivid glimpse into Victorian-era courtship and intrigue.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'A Heart-Song of To-day,' Mrs. Annie G. Savigny presents a sweeping narrative of London high society where glittering appearances often mask dangerous realities. The story centers on the complex relationships between the wealthy and enigmatic Mrs. Tompkins, the charming but emotionally guarded Captain Trevalyon, the devoted Colonel Haughton, and the spirited heiress Vaura Vernon. The plot ignites when Mrs. Tompkins announces her engagement to Colonel Haughton, a union driven by wealth and social ambition rather than deep affection. This decision triggers a cascade of emotional turmoil, particularly for Trevalyon, who harbors a secret past and a lingering love for Vaura. Meanwhile, Major George Delrose, a volatile and passionate figure with a history of scandal, relentlessly pursues Mrs. Tompkins, threatening to expose her humble origins and the questionable source of her fortune. As the characters travel to the countryside for a picnic, the tension between Trevalyon and Vaura deepens, revealing a shared history and mutual affection that society's conventions cannot easily accommodate. The narrative weaves through scenes of lavish parties, intimate conversations, and dramatic confrontations, highlighting the stark contrast between the elite's facade and the raw, often painful emotions beneath. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle between personal desire and social duty drive the characters toward inevitable climaxes. Ultimately, the novel serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of ambition and the enduring, sometimes destructive, nature of love in a world governed by rigid social hierarchies. The story concludes with a resolution where the 'unruly member'—Delrose—is finally checked, allowing the true hearts of the protagonists to emerge from the web of difficulty and societal pressure.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction