WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
The Heir Presumptive and the Heir Apparent cover

The Heir Presumptive and the Heir Apparent

By Mrs. Oliphant
Open in WeRead

About This Book

An aging peer accustomed to a life of comfortable leisure confronts his step‑brother’s announcement of marriage, which threatens the household equilibrium since the brother is heir presumptive. The suitor’s bride comes from a provincial, horse‑obsessed family whose daughter secretly seeks social ascent. The plot follows familial negotiations over money, appointments, and reputation as private habits and public ambitions collide, examining inheritance, class distinctions, matrimonial strategy, and the social pressures that shape personal choices.

About the Author

Oliphant, Mrs. portrait

Mrs. Oliphant

Mrs. Oliphant, a prominent Scottish author of the 19th century, is known for her extensive contributions to literature, particularly in the genres of fiction and biography. Her works often explore themes of domestic life and social issues, reflecting the complexities of her time. Among her notable titles is "A Beleaguered City," which delves into the interplay between the seen and the unseen in a small French town. Oliphant's writing is characterized by its keen observation and rich character development, making her a significant figure in Victorian literature. She also authored several multi-volume novels, including "A House Divided Against Itself," showcasing her narrative depth and versatility.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
A Beleaguered City / Being a Narrative of Certain Recent Events in the City of Semur, in the Department of the Haute Bourgogne. A Story of the Seen and the Unseen cover A Beleaguered City / Being a Narrative of Certain Recent Events in the City of Semur, in the Department of the Haute Bourgogne. A Story of the Seen and the Unseen by Mrs. Oliphant A Country Gentleman and His Family cover A Country Gentleman and His Family by Mrs. Oliphant A House Divided Against Itself (Complete) cover A House Divided Against Itself (Complete) by Mrs. Oliphant A House Divided Against Itself; vol. 1 of 3 cover A House Divided Against Itself; vol. 1 of 3 by Mrs. Oliphant A House Divided Against Itself; vol. 2 of 3 cover A House Divided Against Itself; vol. 2 of 3 by Mrs. Oliphant A House Divided Against Itself; vol. 3 of 3 cover A House Divided Against Itself; vol. 3 of 3 by Mrs. Oliphant