Frida; or, the lover's leap: a legend of the West Country From "Slain by the Doones" by R. D. Blackmore

In the rolling hills and tangled woods of Devon, the ancient Ley Manor stands as a beacon of quiet generosity. Its lord, a man of sturdy lineage and gentle habit, has spent a decade yearning for a child to inherit the estate, only to be blessed with a lively daughter, Jennyfried, whose spirit matches the wild beauty of the landscape. Raised among the village folk, she learns early to soothe troubled hearts with a simple, compassionate smile, earning the affection of every neighbor she meets.

Now seventeen and aware of the expectations that drape over her like a fine shawl, Jennyfried finds her world shifting. A handsome cousin, Albert, returns to the manor under the watchful eye of her father, stirring whispers of affection and the uneasy promise of future duty. As the local legend of the Lover’s Leap murmurs through the valleys, the young woman must balance her own desires with the weight of family legacy, setting the stage for a tale of love, loyalty, and the rugged charm of the West Country.