
Returning to the quiet streets of Carlingford after her mother’s sudden death, the fifteen‑year‑old Miss Marjoribanks finds herself thrust into a house steeped in grief. Her father, the town doctor, is overwhelmed, and the young woman vows to become his steadfast support, suppressing her own sorrow with a resolve that hints at a deeper determination. The opening scenes establish a household in mourning, yet already reveal Lucilla’s keen sense of duty and her emerging independence.
As the narrative unfolds, Miss Marjoribanks channels that early resolve into a lively pursuit of social influence within the modest community. Armed with sharp wit, a talent for conversation, and an uncanny ability to read people, she sets out to reshape the town’s genteel circles, forging friendships and gently steering opinions. Listeners will enjoy watching her blend compassion with ambition, navigating the expectations of Victorian society while remaining unmistakably herself. The novel offers a witty, character‑driven portrait of a young woman learning to turn personal loss into purposeful action.
Language
en
Duration
~19 hours (1125K characters)
Series
Chronicles of Carlingford
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Delphine Lettau, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2012-11-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1897
A hugely popular Victorian novelist and critic, she wrote with remarkable range and speed, turning out fiction, essays, biographies, and supernatural tales across a long career. Her work often brings everyday family life into vivid focus while also making room for mystery, history, and sharp social observation.
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