Eleanor

"Eleanor" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a novel written in the late 19th century, during the Edwardian period. The story centers on a young woman named Lucy Foster, who arrives in Italy to stay with her distant relatives, Edward Manisty and his aunt Miss Manisty. The initial chapters set the stage for exploring themes of virtue, social dynamics, and cultural contrasts as Lucy navigates her new environment among established and somewhat eccentric relatives. The opening of the story introduces us to the characters and their relationships. Edward Manisty expresses his agitation about Lucy's impending arrival, and we see the contrasting reactions of his aunt, who is determined to make her comfortable, and Eleanor Burgoyne, who engages with Edward in witty banter. As they prepare to welcome Lucy, the characters’ backstories and personalities are subtly revealed through their dialogues. Lucy is portrayed as shy and somewhat out of place, reflecting her upbringing in a different social and cultural context. The vivid descriptions of the Italian landscape and the atmospheric evening further enrich the scene, establishing a sense of setting that will influence Lucy's journey of self-discovery amidst the vibrant experiences that Italy promises. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Augusta Ward was a British novelist who wrote under her married name as Mrs Humphry Ward. She worked to improve education for the poor setting up a Settlement in London and in 1908 she became the founding President of the Women's National Anti-Suffrage League.