Summary

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Maud Ruthyn's childhood is marked by solitude within the confines of the grand, ancient mansion at Knowl. Following the early death of her mother, her father, Austin Ruthyn, withdraws from society, immersing himself in scholarly pursuits and the teachings of Swedenborgianism. Although Maud knows him as a distant and reserved figure, she does not question him about her enigmatic Uncle Silas, whose life is shrouded in mystery and scandal.

Rumors and Secrets

Maud's Uncle Silas, whom she has never met, is a figure of intrigue, living at Bartram-Haugh, an estate owned by her father. His handsome portrait hangs in Knowl's oak room, but whispers among the servants suggest a dark past, hinting at secrets that also taint her father's life. Despite the whispers, Maud refrains from asking her father about Silas, respecting his reclusive nature.

Visitors and Mysterious Happenings

Among the few visitors to Knowl is Dr. Bryerly, a tall, awkward man dressed in black, bearing a strong resemblance to Maud’s father in both appearance and belief in Swedenborgianism. Maud respects him, aware of the trust her father places in him. Prior to a journey, Austin reveals a key to Maud, instructing her to hand it to Dr. Bryerly after his departure.

The New Governess

Maud's life takes a new turn when Madame de la Rougierre, a dominating and cunning governess, arrives. Maud instinctively dislikes her, suspecting her intrusive questions about the estate's affairs and her possible role as a spy. An unsettling encounter occurs during a walk to a nearby ruined abbey, where a rough-looking young man approaches Maud. The event is brushed off by the governess, adding to Maud's growing unease.

Lady Monica's Visit

Lady Monica Knollys, Maud's sensible relative from Derbyshire, provides a brief distraction from her worries. During her visit, she warns Maud about the governess and shares unsettling news about Uncle Silas’s controversial past, including a murder suspicion. The tension escalates when Lady Monica advises Maud to be cautious and leaves following a heated argument with Austin over the governess's presence.

A Violent Encounter

One day, while walking through the estate, Maud and Madame de la Rougierre encounter a carriage and a group of drunk men, including the young man from the abbey. A scuffle ensues when one attempts to seize Maud, resulting in a gamekeeper being shot. This incident leads to Madame de la Rougierre's dismissal after she's caught searching through Austin's private papers.

A Father's Legacy

Following Austin's sudden death, Maud learns Dr. Bryerly was not only a trusted friend but also her father's physician. The discovery of her father's will reveals unsettling provisions: Maud is to inherit the estate but must live with her guardian, Uncle Silas, at Bartram-Haugh until she turns twenty-one. Despite warnings, Maud decides to live with Silas, believing it was her father's wish to clear his brother's name.

Life at Bartram-Haugh

Arriving at Bartram-Haugh with her maid, Mary Quince, Maud finds the estate to be dilapidated and neglected. Although Silas greets her warmly, she senses mockery behind his polite demeanor. Her quarters shared with her cousin Milly are austere, contrasting with Silas's opulent rooms. Despite her father's disdain for Milly's boisterous nature, Maud bonds with her lively cousin.

Strange Meetings

During a walk with Milly, they are barred from entering Bartram Close by Meg Hawkes, a coarse local girl. Taking a lesser-known path, they encounter Mr. Carysbrook, a charming young gentleman from a neighboring estate, who later reveals his true identity as Lord Ilbury, one of Maud's trustees.

Unsettling Developments

Maud's interactions with her uncle are limited as he often succumbs to laudanum-induced stupors. Occasionally, she and Milly...

(This entire section contains 895 words.)

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are summoned to his room. Dr. Bryerly's unexpected visit assures Maud's well-being, offering his London address for emergencies. However, with Milly sent to a French convent, Maud faces Dudley's unwanted marriage proposals.

A Dangerous Situation

Silas insists Maud consider Dudley's proposal, but his secret marriage to Sarah Mangles, a barmaid from Knowl, foils the plan. Furious, Silas banishes Dudley, who offers to escort Maud to safety for a hefty sum, which she refuses. Dudley's departure to Melbourne turns out to be another ruse, forcing Maud to endure her uncle's schemes.

Fleeing Danger

As Silas's financial ruin looms, he plans to send Maud to France. Her alarm grows when she learns Madame de la Rougierre will accompany her. Imprisoned in her own home, she attempts to reach Lady Monica, only for her message to be intercepted. Silas's plans culminate in a forced departure, under the guise of gratitude for her upbringing.

Escape from Bartram-Haugh

Taken under Madame de la Rougierre's watchful eye, Maud's journey is abruptly rerouted back to Bartram-Haugh under false pretenses. Aided by Meg, Maud discovers her perilous situation when she witnesses Dudley’s attempted crime, only to be discovered by Silas. With Meg’s help, Maud escapes to safety with Tom Brice, ultimately finding refuge at Lady Monica's.

Resolution and New Beginnings

Two years later, the truth surfaces: Silas’s overdose and Dudley’s disappearance unravel their plans. Madame de la Rougierre’s fate is uncovered by Meg’s father, revealing the room's secret entry point. Maud finds peace in marriage to Lord Ilbury, while Milly and Meg embark on new lives, supported by Maud’s generosity. Dr. Bryerly retires to manage the Ruthyn estates as Maud embraces her roles as wife and mother, leaving the shadows of Bartram-Haugh behind her.

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