The pelicans

"The Pelicans" by E. M. Delafield is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of family, responsibility, and emotional struggle, focusing on the lives of two orphaned sisters, Rosamund and Frances Grantham, as they navigate their feelings after the death of their mother and adapt to their new lives. The narrative also delves into the dynamics of their new guardianship under Bertha Tregaskis, a capable yet somewhat overwhelming figure, and her family, highlighting a stark contrast between the sisters' previous upbringing and their new environment. At the start of the novel, we meet Lady Argent and her son, Ludovic, who discuss the recent death of Mrs. Grantham and how her children will be cared for. Bertha Tregaskis, a caring relative, decides to take in the orphaned girls, and tensions arise as Rosamund expresses resentment towards the transition. The opening section revolves around the complexities of the sisters' emotions, particularly Rosamund's defiance and struggle to retain her identity amidst the changes. The narrative captures the delicate nature of childhood grief and the challenges of adjusting to loss, all while introducing a cast of characters that influence the sisters' evolving lives.