The Ward Of Thorpe-Combe (1842)

Gertrude St. Quintin, an orphan, is taken in by her guardian Mr. Garrow in the village of Thorpe-Combe. Initially content, she soon discovers Mr. Garrow's controlling nature and his desire for her to marry his son, Augustus, against her wishes. As Gertrude seeks independence, she navigates local scandals and develops a romance with artist Walter Lindsay. This Victorian novel delves into themes of love, social class, and the struggle for self-identity amidst societal pressures.