A bankrupt heart, Vol. 1 (of 3)

"A Bankrupt Heart, Vol. 1" by Florence Marryat is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Miss Ellen Llewellyn, the housekeeper for Lord Ilfracombe, who navigates her complicated feelings for him as she grapples with social status, love, and family ties. The opening chapters introduce her inner conflicts and the arrival of unexpected visitors from her past, which set the stage for the emotional turbulence to come. The beginning of the novel presents Miss Llewellyn in her opulent surroundings, drawn into a reverie about her rural roots in Wales. As she reflects on her relationship with Lord Ilfracombe, a letter from him sparks anxiety about his intentions, particularly regarding his mention of Mr. Sterndale, a man she dislikes. Her emotional state is further complicated by the visit of her sister and brother-in-law, who represent her nostalgic past, and by the unnerving presence of Mr. Portland, a friend of Ilfracombe's who embodies the societal pressures that challenge her bond with the earl. Through vibrant characterization and rich inner dialogue, Marryat sets the stage for a conflict between personal desire and societal expectations, encapsulating a young woman's struggle for autonomy and love. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Florence Marryat was a British author and actress. The daughter of author Capt. Frederick Marryat, she was particularly known for her sensational novels and her involvement with several celebrated spiritual mediums of the late 19th century. Her works include Love’s Conflict (1865), Her Father's Name (1876), There is No Death (1891) and The Spirit World (1894), The Dead Man's Message (1894) and The Blood of the Vampire (1897). She was a prolific author, writing around 70 books, as well as newspaper and magazine articles, short stories and works for the stage.