One Maid's Mischief By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)
One Maid's Mischief is a captivating novel written by George Manville Fenn. Set in the 19th century, this historical fiction takes readers on a thrilling journey through the life of Lizzie, a young maid with a mischievous nature that sets her apart from others. The story begins with Lizzie's introduction and her arrival at a grand estate to work as a maid. With her spirited personality and a knack for getting into trouble, Lizzie quickly finds herself caught in a web of secrets and mysteries that surround the household. As she navigates her duties and interacts with various characters, including fellow maids, servants, and the noble family, Lizzie's escapades and misadventures provide both amusement and anticipation. Fenn skillfully develops the characters, introducing each one with depth and uniqueness, making them easily relatable or loathed. Lizzie, in particular, is a delightful protagonist, full of wit and spunk. Her determination to uncover truths and her unwavering loyalty makes her a heroine readers can root for. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers into the opulent world of the 19th century. From the elegant manor to the bustling streets, Fenn's attention to detail brings each scene to life, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the era. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, making it easy to visualize the setting and imagine being part of the story. One Maid's Mischief is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and historical fiction. The unraveling of secrets and the building of suspense keep readers engaged from beginning to end, eager to discover what lies next for Lizzie and the characters she encounters. Fenn masterfully incorporates unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that the plot remains unpredictable throughout. While the novel contains moments of lightheartedness and humor, it also delves into deeper themes such as class divide, societal expectations, and the limited agency of women during that time period. The exploration of these themes adds a layer of substance to the story, making it more than just a tale of mischief, but also a reflection of the social dynamics of the era. In conclusion, One Maid's Mischief by George Manville Fenn is an enthralling historical fiction that perfectly captures the essence of the 19th century. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and rich descriptions, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a captivating story with a touch of mischief and a dash of romance. First Page: One Maid's Mischief By George Manville Fenn Published by Ward & Downey, London. This edition dated 1887. VOLUME ONE, CHAPTER ONE. ONE OF HER VICTIMS. Seven o'clock in the morning, and chee op chee op chee op chirrup pee yew a splendid thrush waking the echoes with his loud notes; the blackbirds down in the copse whistling a soft love song to their silent mates, waiting in their cup like nests for the first chip of the blotched eggs; Coelebs, the chaffinch, pouring down tinkling strains from the pink blossomed apple trees; while the larks high above the young corn and clover, twittered their joyous hymn in rivalling accord to the May morning sun. The dew lay heavy and cold upon the tawny, sweet scented wallflowers, and the freshness of feeling in the shade whispered that the silvery whiteness of their hues was not far removed from frost. So thought the Reverend Arthur Rosebury, as he stood contemplating the flower beds in front of the quaint old Rectory, whose windows were framed in the opening blossoms of a huge snaky stemmed wistaria, one of which windows his own was wide open, and had been for an hour, while its fellow over the little drawing room was delicately draped in snowy dimity. Geraniums formed the subject of the Reverend Arthur's contemplation as he stood upon the closely shaven, dewy lawn; and he had just come to the conclusion that he had better wait another week before filling his beds with the scarlet trusses, when there was the sharp sound of brass rings upon a rod... Continue reading book >>

One Maid's Mischief By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)

One Maid's Mischief is a captivating novel written by George Manville Fenn. Set in the 19th century, this historical fiction takes readers on a thrilling journey through the life of Lizzie, a young maid with a mischievous nature that sets her apart from others.

The story begins with Lizzie's introduction and her arrival at a grand estate to work as a maid. With her spirited personality and a knack for getting into trouble, Lizzie quickly finds herself caught in a web of secrets and mysteries that surround the household. As she navigates her duties and interacts with various characters, including fellow maids, servants, and the noble family, Lizzie's escapades and misadventures provide both amusement and anticipation.

Fenn skillfully develops the characters, introducing each one with depth and uniqueness, making them easily relatable or loathed. Lizzie, in particular, is a delightful protagonist, full of wit and spunk. Her determination to uncover truths and her unwavering loyalty makes her a heroine readers can root for.

The author's vivid descriptions transport readers into the opulent world of the 19th century. From the elegant manor to the bustling streets, Fenn's attention to detail brings each scene to life, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the era. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, making it easy to visualize the setting and imagine being part of the story.

One Maid's Mischief is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and historical fiction. The unraveling of secrets and the building of suspense keep readers engaged from beginning to end, eager to discover what lies next for Lizzie and the characters she encounters. Fenn masterfully incorporates unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that the plot remains unpredictable throughout.

While the novel contains moments of lightheartedness and humor, it also delves into deeper themes such as class divide, societal expectations, and the limited agency of women during that time period. The exploration of these themes adds a layer of substance to the story, making it more than just a tale of mischief, but also a reflection of the social dynamics of the era.

In conclusion, One Maid's Mischief by George Manville Fenn is an enthralling historical fiction that perfectly captures the essence of the 19th century. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and rich descriptions, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a captivating story with a touch of mischief and a dash of romance.

First Page:

One Maid's Mischief By George Manville Fenn Published by Ward & Downey, London. This edition dated 1887.

VOLUME ONE, CHAPTER ONE.

ONE OF HER VICTIMS.

Seven o'clock in the morning, and chee op chee op chee op chirrup pee yew a splendid thrush waking the echoes with his loud notes; the blackbirds down in the copse whistling a soft love song to their silent mates, waiting in their cup like nests for the first chip of the blotched eggs; Coelebs, the chaffinch, pouring down tinkling strains from the pink blossomed apple trees; while the larks high above the young corn and clover, twittered their joyous hymn in rivalling accord to the May morning sun. The dew lay heavy and cold upon the tawny, sweet scented wallflowers, and the freshness of feeling in the shade whispered that the silvery whiteness of their hues was not far removed from frost.

So thought the Reverend Arthur Rosebury, as he stood contemplating the flower beds in front of the quaint old Rectory, whose windows were framed in the opening blossoms of a huge snaky stemmed wistaria, one of which windows his own was wide open, and had been for an hour, while its fellow over the little drawing room was delicately draped in snowy dimity.

Geraniums formed the subject of the Reverend Arthur's contemplation as he stood upon the closely shaven, dewy lawn; and he had just come to the conclusion that he had better wait another week before filling his beds with the scarlet trusses, when there was the sharp sound of brass rings upon a rod... Continue reading book >>

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