Molly Gibson, the daughter of a widowed country doctor, is just getting used to life in adult society and the newly sparked attention she is getting from men. She becomes entangled in the romantic pursuits of those around her, including the charming but enigmatic Squire Hamley and his handsome sons. However, her world is shaken when her father remarries, bringing a new stepmother and stepsister into their home. Amidst gossip, scandal, and social etiquette, Molly must navigate the intricacies of relationships and forge her own path to happiness.
Gaskell's vivid portrayal of 19th-century English society immerses readers in a world of opulent estates, rural landscapes, and intricate social hierarchies.

Elizabeth Gaskell [1810 - 1865], born in London, England, grew up with her aunt in Knutsford, just outside Manchester. She later married William Gaskell, who was a pastor in Manchester. Among her circle of friends were Charles Dickens and Charlotte Brontë. Among her most famous works are Cranford and Wives and Daughters.