Cecil Castlemaine's Gage, Lady Marabout's Troubles, and Other Stories

"Cecil Castlemaine's Gage, Lady Marabout's Troubles, and Other Stories" by Ouida is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The book centers around the character of Cecil Castlemaine, a striking beauty from a noble family, who, amidst political intrigue and personal pride, navigates societal expectations, romance, and loyalty to her cause. The stories feature themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of character, reflecting the author's flair for intricate character portrayal and vivid settings. The opening of the collection introduces us to Cecil Castlemaine, the epitome of beauty and pride in her time, as she descends the grand staircase of her family estate, Lilliesford, during a politically charged era. Unmoved by the many suitors vying for her affection, Cecil's heart and ambitions are tied to the Tory cause she fervently supports. As the narrative unfolds, we see her transition from the vibrant life of London society to the solitude of her estate, where she broods over the political climate and her own unresolved feelings towards Sir Fulke Ravensworth, an envoy with whom she shares a compelling connection, setting the stage for the intertwining of personal and political stakes in her life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Maria Louise Ramé, going by the name Marie Louise de la Ramée and known by the pseudonym Ouida, was an English novelist. Ouida wrote more than 40 novels, as well as short stories, children's books and essays. Moderately successful, she lived a life of luxury, entertaining many of the literary figures of the day.