The Mary Elizabeth Braddon Library

In which a sudden and grievous illness confines Lord Maulevrier to his chamber amid the bleak, snow-covered hills, attended faithfully by Lady Maulevrier and those about him. As the long winter day fades into a moonlit night, the gravity of his condition prompts a midnight departure for her ladyship, set against the silent splendour of a wintry mountain road.

In which the secluded lives of two contrasting sisters at a grand Lake District estate unfold beneath the watchful eye of their ambitious grandmother, with one immersed in nature and books, the other in society and elegance, each marked by different hopes and expectations. On a dull rainy day that stifles their usual pursuits, the return of a beloved brother and his companion brings a ripple of ex...

In which we are ushered into a sumptuous London evening at Lord Denyer’s distinguished residence, where the glittering company whispers of scandal and distant colonial intrigues, and where the elegant Lady Maulevrier holds court with poised grace despite the storm gathering around her absent husband. Amidst the refined chatter and the soft glow of candlelight, the contrasts of societal splendour a...

In which Lord and Lady Maulevrier undertake a protracted and wearying journey northward through increasingly wintry and desolate landscapes, culminating in an unexpected and enforced stop at a rustic inn amid a striking snowstorm. Here, amid the warmth of a simple hearth and the shared trials of those around them, Lady Maulevrier contemplates the sombre realities that shadow her husband's return a...

In which the autumnal gloom settles over Lady Maulevrier’s temporary abode at the Dolphin Hotel, where she awaits her husband’s arrival amidst whispers of scandal and impending ruin. The narrative delicately reveals the strained reunion of a troubled couple wrestling with the shadows of accusation and the fragile hope of seclusion at their Westmoreland retreat.

In which the lingering twilight of a summer storm shades the quiet suffering and tender watchfulness that enfold a fading life in a Roman lodging, with gentle conversations of ghosts and memories bridging the space between love and loss. The solemnity of parting is softened by patient care and solemn reflections, as the ever-present shadow of death draws near and brings a reposeful end to a troubl...

In which the fair Isola finds herself torn between heart-wrenching duty and a tumultuous passion, recalling a fateful night that shattered her peace and innocence amidst the golden hues of Rome, and embarks upon a harrowing voyage fraught with peril and despair. Amid storms both of sea and spirit, she contemplates escape and atonement, wrestling with the shadow of shame while seeking refuge in an...

In which the tender promise of a quiet wedding in Rome is set against the solemn presence of a pallid and resigned figure whose secret sorrow haunts the gathering. Amidst the soft glow of dusk and the radiant joy of approaching unions, hearts are quietly weighed with hope, regret, and unspoken truths.

In which a pale and weary Isola confesses to her husband the long-buried truth of her past, unveiling a story of loneliness, betrayal, and remorse that shakes the foundation of their marriage. As forgiveness tempered by sorrow is extended, a faithful servant returns to offer care, and the somber reflections of those left behind mingle with the quiet dignity of a heart seeking peace.

In which a household shadowed by illness finds gentle moments of hope and tender conversations about love and impending changes, as Isola Disney quietly urges Captain Hulbert to hasten his marriage to Allegra. Through soft observations of Roman scenes and affectionate exchanges, the narrative unfolds a touching tableau of loyalty, patience, and the delicate balance between joy and sorrow.

In which Colonel Disney’s family settle tastefully into a restful Roman lodging, and Isola drinks in the city's ancient splendour, finding both comfort in its springtime beauty and solace at the poet Shelley’s grave. Amid the sunny terraces and fragrant gardens, her contemplations intertwine with the sacred histories and stirring memories that fill the eternal city’s air.

In which a chance meeting between Mrs. Disney and Father Rodwell beneath the solemn shadows of Rome’s burial grounds draws out heartfelt confessions of sorrow and concealed sin, as she wrestles with the burden of a past she dares not reveal to her devoted husband. Amidst the melancholy beauty of the tombs and blossoming azaleas, the priest gently urges her towards truth and hope, pondering the del...

In which the Disneys find in Father Rodwell a learned and gentle guide through the venerable streets and sacred art of Rome, whose presence brings both comfort and contemplation to their lives. Amidst these wanderings, delicate Isola’s health wanes quietly, wrapped in a veil of melancholy that bewilders those who love her most.

In which the tranquil Italian Riviera unfolds its luminous beauty to Isola and Allegra, whose gentle explorations and shared reveries breathe life into the verdant terraces and serene gardens surrounding their new villa at San Remo. Amidst the soft stir of Carnival festivities and the whispered presence of history, they find solace in poetry and companionship, touched by the subtle shift of season...

In which the gentle Italian sun and serene landscape offer a balm to Isola’s fragile health, whilst Allegra navigates the tender uncertainties of love under the watchful eyes of devoted friends. Their quiet exile is enlivened by a welcome visitor and the stirring promise of a new adventure in the historic splendour of Rome.

In which the sunlit promise of an excursion to San Romolo gives way to a sudden storm and an uneasy solitude for Isola, whose impulsive wanderings and ensuing illness ripple through the household with gentle concern. The quiet attentions and whispered fears of those around her cast a tender, reflective light upon her fragile state, framed by the long shadows of past sorrows and the yearning for ne...

In which the devoted Colonel Disney seeks expert advice on his wife Isola’s delicate health, leading to plans for a winter retreat in the milder climes of San Remo, accompanied by their family. The tender domestic scenes reveal quiet hopes and unspoken anxieties, as friends and kin gently muse upon love, duty, and the burdens of delicate constitutions.

In which the tranquil flow of life around the Disney household seems untroubled, yet subtle changes in Isola’s health begin to unsettle those who cherish her, prompting quiet anxieties and tender attentions among her family and friends. The narrative gently unfolds scenes of domestic affection and social interchanges framed against the looming uncertainty of delicate well-being.

In which the Christmas Eve brings with it the promise of renewal and quiet hopes, as preparations for a new life abroad set the scene for affectionate confidences and tender engagements by firelight; meanwhile, reflections on family bonds and latent sorrows gently intertwine with the prospect of future happiness, imparting a softly wistful tone to the evening’s discourse. The delicate unfolding of...

In which a strained dinner-party at Myrtle Lodge brings together old rivals amidst uneasy civility, and Colonel Disney confronts Mr. Crowther over his offensive behaviour towards Mrs. Disney, leading to a tense and revealing exchange. Later, plagued by suspicion and doubt, Disney presses his wife for explanation of her secretive past, whilst preparing for an urgent journey to London with his siste...

In which the tranquil days upon the Vendetta are suffused with gentle pleasures and budding affections, while village life stirs with a sudden dispute over a long-used footpath, setting neighbors at odds in a quiet assertion of ancient rights. Amid these happenings, delicate domestic scenes unfold, sketching the tender bonds between mother and child, and the subtle weaving of hopes and alliances b...

In which Colonel Disney and his wife journey silently to London, burdened by unease and guarded exchanges, only to find solace in a delicate reconciliation of trust and affection within their muted companionship. Their visit to Mrs. Hazelrigg reveals understated tensions and social contrasts, as the polished surface of city life veils deeper currents of fatigue and unspoken trial.

In which a small circle of acquaintances gathers at the Angler’s Nest, where the delicate Isola and lively Allegra converse with seafaring Captain Hulbert about distant travels and the charms of summer in Italy, while the convivial drawing-room offers refuge from the evening’s chill. The conversation lingers on yachting, ghosts, and country life with gentle humour and quiet intimacy, as plans are...

In which the crisp October air carries Allegra and Isola on contemplative walks by the sea, where the sight of a mysterious yacht and its skipper, Captain Hulbert, stirs quiet curiosity and gentle speculation among the village folk. Meanwhile, Allegra’s artistic pursuits and engaging conversation with Mr. Colfox reveal the subtle interplay of character and society in the tranquil Cornish world the...

In which Colonel Disney grows protective over his wife Isola against the unwelcome attentions of a certain gentleman, leading to a cooling of relations with their social acquaintances, whilst a fragile new life binds them tightly amid the tender yet difficult recovery from Isola’s perilous childbirth and subsequent illness. Meanwhile, amidst changing seasons and village disputes, the household at...