Her fairy prince

"Her Fairy Prince" by Gertrude Warden is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story opens with two Englishmen, Captain Garth and Wallace Armstrong, reuniting in Boulogne after several years apart. As they converse, it becomes clear that Armstrong is in dire straits financially and is disillusioned with life. He presents himself as a man marked by past indiscretions but is still hopeful for redemption, primarily through a marriage that could restore his fortune and regain the favor of his wealthy uncle. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the complex relationship between Garth, a gambler and opportunist, and Armstrong, a young man who feels lost and embittered. Through their dialogue, we learn of Armstrong's struggles and a desperate drive to secure a better future, including a potential marriage to Garth's daughter, Laline. Laline is portrayed as innocent and unaware of the sordid realities surrounding her impending marriage, which is implied to be a calculated move to escape her father's gambling lifestyle and a means for Armstrong to secure his uncle's wealth. As the plot unfolds, the dynamics of deception, economic desperation, and emotional manipulation set the scene for Laline's journey, which promises to explore themes of innocence, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better life.