Lavender and Old Lace

"Lavender and Old Lace" by Myrtle Reed is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically around the year 1902. The story centers on Ruth Thorne, a woman who temporarily leaves her city life to stay with her aunt Jane Hathaway in a quaint country house, which brings her a sense of nostalgia and peace. As she adjusts to her new surroundings, Ruth becomes intrigued by her aunt's eccentricities, including the mysterious lamp that must be lit in the attic every night, and the whispers surrounding a puzzling woman named Miss Ainslie. The opening of the novel introduces Ruth as she arrives at her aunt's modest home atop a hill, portrayed through her interaction with the friendly but awkward carriage driver named Joe. After settling in, Ruth reads a letter from her aunt outlining her responsibilities during her absence. The letter hints at a secretive past and establishes a curious atmosphere surrounding Ruth's stay, particularly the instructions concerning the attic's lamp. The narrative then unfolds Ruth's exploration of the old house and its attic, revealing treasures and secrets, while she grapples with her feelings of being an outsider in both the rural community and her own family legacy. Her interactions with her aunt's housekeeper, Hepsey, and hints of a romantic connection with a newcomer, Carl Winfield, further complicate the themes of belonging and self-discovery that emerge in the early chapters.