In September 1986, Roland Michell, a disenchanted part-time research assistant, unearths intriguing clues in the London Library. While perusing a book owned by the eminent Victorian poet Randolph Henry Ash, Roland discovers two mysterious letters, setting off a chain of events that transforms his mundane life. These letters hint at a hidden narrative involving Ash, sparking Roland's determination to uncover a literary mystery.

The Mysterious Letters

Well-acquainted with the intricacies of Ash's biography, Roland's interest is immediately piqued by the letters, which are addressed to an unknown woman. The content of these missives is unlike anything associated with Ash, suggesting they have never been published or even seen by anyone else. The letters present a tantalizing opportunity for Roland, possibly offering insights into a concealed aspect of Ash's life.

Embla's True Identity

Ash's romantic poetry has long hinted at a muse named Embla, sparking debates among scholars about her identity. The prosaic details of Ash's life suggest that Embla might be fictional, as his only known romantic relationship was with his wife, Ellen, lacking the intensity found in his work. Driven by curiosity and the desire to make a significant discovery, Roland speculates that Embla could be a real person, as suggested by the letters. Despite feeling guilty, he decides to secretly pursue this lead.

Conflicts at Home

Returning to his dreary basement apartment shared with his girlfriend, Val, Roland contemplates his stagnant life. Initially bonded over poetry and intellectual debates, their relationship has soured with the harsh realities of academic life. Val, struggling after failing her exams, supports Roland financially but remains uninterested in his discovery, underscoring the growing rift between them.

Seeking Expertise

Roland's investigation points to Christabel La Motte, a poet contemporary to Ash, as a potential candidate for Embla. Unfamiliar with La Motte's work, Roland seeks advice from Fergus Wolff, who suggests consulting Dr. Maud Bailey, a distant relative and expert on La Motte. Maud is renowned in feminist circles, overseeing La Motte's manuscript archive at Lincoln University.

Meeting Maud Bailey

On meeting Maud, Roland finds her beauty matched by her aloof demeanor. He learns that Maud is La Motte’s great-great-great niece, responsible for preserving the poet's archives. Together, they ponder how Ash and La Motte's lives intersect, challenging Maud's belief that La Motte, who had a known relationship with artist Blanche Glover, was a lesbian. Maud proposes a visit to her ancestral home in Lincolnshire for further insights.

A Secret Quest

The duo's journey must remain clandestine, not just due to the ethical dilemma of Roland's letter theft, but also because of Dr. Mortimer Cropper, an American professor eager to acquire Ash's memorabilia for his collection. Cropper’s ambitions pose a threat to Roland and Maud's scholarly pursuit.

Revelations in Lincolnshire

The trip to Lincolnshire unearths a cache of letters exchanged between Ash and La Motte, revealing a passionate affair. Ash’s love for La Motte fueled his greatest works, while La Motte's affection for Ash constrained her independence, culminating in her abrupt departure from England. This turn of events led Blanche to a tragic end.

Love Blooms

Inspired by Ash and La Motte’s romance, Roland and Maud find themselves developing mutual feelings. Both realize they feel more valued and understood in each other’s company than with previous partners. This burgeoning relationship seems to naturally lead them to continue unraveling the past together.

Unraveling More Mysteries

Dr. Leonora Stern, a La Motte scholar, provides pivotal information from a young French academic who unearthed a journal by La Motte’s cousin. This journal reveals La Motte was pregnant and delivered her child in Brittany. However, what happened to the...