Gretchen: A Novel

A returning family member upends a comfortable household when he arrives intent on protecting and providing for a poor young woman in his care, installing her in fine rooms and sending her costly jewels. Sibling rivalry, social embarrassment, and the disappearance of the diamonds set off searches, accusations, and schemes that involve local children and neighbors. Over years of storms, funerals, letters, and small reconciliations, hidden truths are uncovered beneath a floorboard and through correspondence, an accused youth is cleared, relationships are mended, and domestic tensions settle toward quieter lives.