“Catherine Vernon had come to see with her own eyes that her guests or tenants had arrived, and that they were comfortable. They were relations, which justified the want of ceremony; but perhaps, if they had not been poor, and she had not been their benefactor, she would scarcely, in so very easy a way, with a shawl over her cap, and at an hour not adapted for visits, have made the first call upon them. It is so much easier to be substantially kind than to show that tender regard for other people’s feelings which is the only thing that ever calls forth true gratitude; and perhaps Catherine had not altogether escaped the deteriorating influences of too much prosperity" - Hester
Hester (1883) by Margaret Oliphant begins in the fictional English village of Redborough. It's the 19th century and the Vernon Bank is a well respected institution that has been owned by the Vernon family for generations. When grandfather Vernon dies the management of the bank falls to his grandson John.
A few years back it was assumed that John Vernon would marry his cousin Catherine who was smart and dependable. But John married a sweet young woman from outside the family who knew nothing about business and didn't ask questions.
Catherine was heartbroken since she cared for John but she stayed out of the management of the bank assuming as everyone else did that John was a capable manager. He was not. Rumors began to start about John's overspending, mismanagement and speculating. And one night the head clerk Mr Rule unable to find John went to Catherine who was able to save the bank using her own money as collateral.
Years later Catherine is the most revered member in Redborough. She is also very generous and decides to build a number of homes on her property inviting her poorer relations to move in rent-free. Her relatives are grateful but also resentful. Catherine finds it amusing.. She never married and other people's opinions don't phase her. Catherine is very strong in herself.
But Catherine has one weakness, Edward Vernon. Years ago Catberine rescued Edward, his cousin Harry and Harry's sister Ellen from poverty. They are all grown now. Edward lives with Catherine. He manages the bank and Catherine considers him a son. But Edward though he disguises his feelings considers himself in prison. He resents Catherine which is unfair because she has denied him nothing.
And then Catherine decides to invite Mrs John Vernon and her fourteen year old daughter Hester back to Redborough after John Vernon dies. It's a very generous gesture on Catherine's part since John was the cause of the bank almost failing years ago. But Hester and Catherine do not get along. They are too much alike and as Hester grows into a young woman the dislike between the two women continues until a crisis arrives which will require them to end their coldness towards each other.
I have left out alot that takes place in this book. And as I was reading Hester the novel reminded me a bit of Middlemarch. Hester also has a narrator with a good deal to say about society, class, women's role, the dangers of speculating. But it never feels like preaching. The characters are so well drawn and the writing is top quality. So much so that I am surprised that Hester and it's author Margaret Oliphant aren't better known. I highly recommend Hester. A five star read for me.
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