A True Aristocrat

by Mrs. Georgie Sheldon

When young Cecile Vavasour is orphaned and beggared in a train accident, her fiancé's sister immediately opposes the marriage, on the grounds that as a pauper she is no longer worthy of him. But he is faithful, and marries her quickly so that she need not suffer want. The sister is incensed by his carelessness of her opinion and vows to wreak vengeance on the innocent young wife. Can she succeed in turning Howard against his beloved, and separating the two?

334 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1910

About the author

Sarah Elizabeth Forbush Downs (1843–1926) was a "dime novelist" from the United States.

In 1868, she married George Sheldon Downs. She used a form of his name as a pseudonym in much of her writing.

Her career began with newspaper contributions in 1869. She was signed by Theodore Dreiser to write for his Smith's Magazine. Dreiser considered her to be one of the "three most popular authors in the world." Between 1880 and 1889, she serialized 47 romances for Street and Smith's New York Weekly.

Reviews

[Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I little expected, when I picked this book up, that I was delving into a story of such intense and brutal hardship. The title - “A True Aristocrat” - gives very little away. I thought, perhaps, it would be akin to a regency romance and prepared myself for the usual tropes. It was not long, however, before that illusion was dispelled. I realised that what I had in hand was the story of an uphill struggle, that would grow rapidly steeper and more perilous as the chapters went on.

I could feel my pulse rising as Cecile met injustice after injustice. No sooner would life appear a little brighter than she would be instantly struck down by a new burden. I could scarcely contain myself as Sheldon detailed the maddening circumstances of Howard’s arrest and isolation in the pauper institute. It is unbelievable that anyone, be they ever so mentally strong and resolute, could endure the years of torture and solitude that he did. I was close to bursting every time Helen used her power to injure Cecile, to make her life as miserable and unbearable as possible. I do not think I have come across a villain as heartless, as hardened, as cruel, or as thoroughly wicked as Helen Langley. The unending depths of her hatred for Cecile, and the evil she enacted in a bid to seek revenge were almost too much to bear. Her last, and perhaps her cruellest act, in lying to her brother at a point when he was so vulnerable and clinging to the last mite of hope he had in the world almost sent me raving. I suppose that was Sheldon’s intention, to have her readers burning with frustration and indignation that we might suffer just a fraction of what her protagonist was feeling.

The reunion between Cecile and Howard, after what felt like an eternity, is perhaps one of my favourite scenes in any novel I have ever read. It was truly heartwarming, it was the climax, the most anticipated moment of the entire story, and it did not disappoint. I must admit that I was slightly irritated that Howard was so quick to believe his sister’s account of Cecile’s actions, but I suppose, in his vulnerable state of mind, he was not thinking critically.

Admittedly, this is not a story without fault. I felt that there were far too many miraculous coincidences and too many sudden, convenient deaths for it to resemble anything close to reality, and yet, this did not mar my enjoyment of the story. It is one that I will be turning over in my mind for many years to come. It is one that I strongly recommend to others, with the caution that it is not for the faint-hearted, it will try your patience, and it will test the strength of your nerves, but, in the end, it is all worth it. I cannot end this review without stating that this is not just an incredible story, but one so beautifully and elegantly written, packed with artful, unique descriptions and countless articles of wisdom. I cannot wait to read more of this wonderful author.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book with a strong Christian message. Despite Cecile's many troubles, her faith in God never falters, and she is always sure He will provide for her. Will her clean, pure life bring her happiness in the end?