44 - Fair Mystery by Charlotte M. Brame

Penned by Charlotte M. Brame under the pseudonym Bertha M. Clay, A Fair Mystery introduces us to honest Mark Brace, who is on the brink of losing his ancestral farm, the home of his beloved wife Patty and their daughter Mattie. In the midst of this turmoil, they find a precious infant abandoned on their doorstep. The mysterious note accompanying the baby promises a hundred pounds a year in return for raising her. The arrival of Doris, a beautiful child who grows into a stunning woman, saves the farm and brings peace for a while. Yet, as Doris matures, she becomes aware of her exceptional beauty and innate intelligence, which sets her apart from the humble farmers who raised her. She yearns for a life of luxury, adorned with jewels, velvets, and relentless admiration. Convinced her beauty and wit will bring her all she wants, she embarks on a quest to attain them, inadvertently setting in motion a catastrophic sequence of events. This captivating tale of love, tragedy, and societal commentary compels us to ponder upon what truly matters in life.