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The novel tells the story of the Derinzy family--with its main characters being Stella, present mistress of Hagleth Hall, her brother-in-law Colonel Hugo Derinzy, head of the family, his wife and his children - particularly Hugo and Leo.
Into their midst comes a mysterious stranger, Mr. Forester, of Burnt Mill, and his beautiful daughter Violet. Hugo finds himself suddenly viewing his brother differently, through the eyes of a woman.
Leo Derinzy was tall and slender, with abundant, softly-waving dark hair, which grew low in his neck, and fell over the straightly-cut collar of his priestly garment, softening its rigidity......The young officer rather envied his brother those beautiful glossy tresses, and his one inch of superior height. After all, it was quite possible that the Violet might admire him, and women always idolised priests.
However this cannot be a straightforward courtship for either of the brothers as Violet's father has forbidden her to mix with the Derinzy family. He is against the Derinzy family from the outset, and, in particular, has no kind words for Stella:
"She has sinned deeply against you and all true women, as those of her sex always do who break down man's faith and loyalty. She is false to the heart's core. Never let me her again that you pity her." Never in her whole life had Viola heard her father speak to her so angrily.
It transpires Mr. Forester knows the true story of Stella's supposed dead brother--that he did not die at home, but was ostracised by society after refusing to fight in a duel. This duel was set to clear a lady's name besmirched by an anonymous letter:
An anonymous letter, written it may be with an evil purpose-- a jealous woman's freak to separate those whom she falsely imagined to be lovers. The letter fell into hands not likely to deal lightly with aspersions on a woman's character......
And he also knows that Stella also disowned her brother.
Violet implores him to tell Stella her brother may still be alive but Forester says:
"Do not let a word I have now said pass your lips until I give you permission. Remember that if Hugh Derinzy wins back his place in society, Colonel Derinzy and his family will have to leave Hagleth Hall."
But all is revealed when the Colonel's wife Mrs Derinzy makes a surprise visit to Burnt Mill, to meet the mysterious Mr. Forester and his daughter Violet.
The story unfolds through drama and romance, to a final chapter offering the reader a satisfying happy ending.
A sample chapter of The Carding-mill Valley is available on this website.
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Page created 12 December 2002 and last updated 12 December 2002
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