A Broken Blossom by Florence Marryat

In the autumn beauty of St. Pucelle, Hilda's candor cuts through romance, pride, and gossip alike. She walks and talks with Charlie Sandilands, gently exposing the limits of his former love, then turns from personal truth to practical danger as money troubles, a doubtful guardian, and hidden debts begin to surface. Their frank exchanges reveal her sharp intelligence, independence, and growing awareness that affection, social rank, and financial control are all tangled together. As Hilda confronts Charlie, defends the Baron de Nesselrode, and later tries to make peace after a quarrel, she is increasingly forced to see the costs of her own pride and the precariousness of her position. Around her, the household atmosphere grows more strained: Madame Marmoret's calculating remarks, Cave Charteris's uneasy concern, and Mr. Lovett's financial dishonesty all point to a world ruled by appearances and money. Even the gentle Ange, already burdened by illness and loss, is shaken by rumors, debts, and the fear that her father's poverty is deeper than she knew. Throughout, the novel balances social tension, emotional restraint, and quiet domestic drama with sharp insight and sympathy. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.