My Lord Duke

"My Lord Duke" by E. W. Hornung is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Claude Lafont, an aspiring poet who learns that he is now the head of the Lafont family after the death of the Duke of St. Osmund's. The story unfolds as he navigates familial expectations, societal status, and the unexpected arrival of his newly discovered Australian cousin, known as "Happy Jack," who is quite the contrast to the aristocratic world Claude inhabits. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Claude Lafont, who is dealing with the news of his title and the arrival of his estranged relative, the Duke of St. Osmund's. As Claude prepares to leave a seaside retreat to confront his new responsibilities, he is met with a mix of sympathy and skepticism from those around him. The opening scene sets a humorous tone as the characters express concern for Claude upon learning that he must find the Duke, who he imagines could be quite different from what he expects. The arrival of Jack, a rough-and-tumble man with an affinity for cats, complicates matters further, as both men must reconcile their disparate backgrounds and newfound familial ties. This sets the stage for an exploration of identity, societal expectations, and personal growth as they embark on their journey together.