Bashful Fifteen

"Bashful Fifteen" by L. T. Meade is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a girls' school called Mulberry Court, where a new student named Bridget O'Hara arrives, stirring interest and curiosity among her classmates. The narrative explores themes of friendship, individuality, and the challenges of fitting into a new environment, as Bridget stands out due to her spirited personality and carefree nature. At the start of the book, the anticipation for the arrival of Bridget O'Hara creates a buzz among the fifty girls at Mulberry Court. The opening chapter introduces their curious chatter regarding the new girl, who arrives mid-term under unusual circumstances. As the girls watch her carriage approach, their speculation is palpable. Upon her entrance, Bridget's vibrant character is quickly established; she is lively and charming, albeit somewhat oblivious to the rules and expectations of the school. Her first interactions highlight her magnetic but troublesome nature as she prattles on about her past adventures in Ireland, capturing the attention of the younger girls while causing mixed reactions among the older ones, particularly regarding her potential to disrupt the school’s established order. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith (1844–1914), writing under the pseudonym L. T. Meade, was a prolific writer of girls' stories. She was born in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, daughter of Rev. R. T. Meade, of Nohoval, County Cork. She later moved to London, where she married Alfred Toulmin Smith in September 1879.