Coralie: Everyday Life Library No. 2

"Coralie" by Charlotte M. Brame is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Sir Edgar Trevelyan, a young man who finds himself thrust into sudden wealth and responsibility when he learns he is the heir to the property and title of Crown Anstey after the death of his wealthy relatives. As he navigates his new life, he faces emotional turmoil, particularly in regard to his relationships with his invalid sister Clare and the beautiful yet enigmatic Coralie d'Aubergne, who becomes both a companion and source of conflict in his life. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Edgar's humble beginnings reflecting on his past struggles with poverty following the deaths of his parents. After securing a modest job, he is finally able to care for his sister, but he longs for something more. His fortunes change dramatically with the letter announcing his inheritance, leading him to Crown Anstey where he must confront not only the ghosts of his relatives but also the advances of Coralie. The opening chapters set the stage for themes of family duty, wealth, and romantic intrigue against a backdrop of social expectations and personal desires, hinting at the complexities of Edgar's relationships with both Coralie and Agatha Thesiger, a newly discovered object of his affections.