Morley Ashton: A Story of the Sea. Volume 1 (of 3)

"Morley Ashton: A Story of the Sea. Volume 1" by James Grant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Morley Ashton, a young man returning to his idyllic English homeland after a tumultuous three-year stint in West Africa. As he reunites with his beloved Ethel Basset, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of personal struggles, emotional turmoil, and the looming threat of separation due to Ethel's family’s impending move to the Isle of France. The opening of the novel sets a scene filled with nostalgia as Morley arrives at the picturesque village of Acton-Rennel, enveloped in the beauty of spring. His heartfelt reunion with Ethel reveals their deep affection amid a backdrop of anxiety, especially with the news of her family’s planned departure. This tension escalates with the introduction of Captain Cramply Hawkshaw, a rival for Ethel’s affections, whose presence and past complicate Morley’s hope for a future together. The opening chapters effectively establish the characters' relationships, setting the stage for the emotional conflicts and adventures that will follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Grant (1822–1887) was a Scottish novelist and miscellaneous writer.