
Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1529 England, the story follows a young orphan girl taken in by the formidable Lady Peckham of Somersetshire. As the king’s agents dissolve convents and seize church wealth, the girl’s dream of joining a modest house of Gray Nuns is shattered, leaving her to navigate a world in flux. Through vivid recollections of thunderstorms, garden errands, and the uneasy shelter of a noble household, the opening paints a portrait of resilience amid religious upheaval.
She forms a close bond with Walter Corbet, the lady’s elder son destined for the clergy, who tutors her in Latin and shares the everyday battles of a restless household. Their friendship offers both a refuge and a catalyst, as they confront the whims of the ambitious Randall Peckham and the uncertain fate of their families. The narrative promises further trials and choices, hinting that the girl’s loyalty and quick wit will be tested as England’s storm of reform continues to reshape her world.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (551K characters)
Series
The Stanton-Corbet chronicles.
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
London: John F. Shaw & Co., 1884.
Release date
2024-01-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1826–1899
Best known for writing morally grounded stories for young readers, this 19th-century American author produced dozens of books that were widely circulated through the American Sunday-School Union. Her fiction often mixed domestic drama, religious feeling, and a strong belief in character formation.
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