Beggars on Horseback

A novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the life of Archie Lethbridge, a painter who travels to Provence to find inspiration and escape the expectations of his life. As he immerses himself in the enchanting landscape, he encounters the striking girl Désirée Prévost, who challenges his perceptions and feelings, setting the stage for possible conflict between his engagement to a more conventional woman and his blossoming connection with Désirée. The beginning of the novel introduces Archie Lethbridge, who arrives in the picturesque region of Provence after a successful art sale and an engagement to Miss Gwendolen Gould. Despite his outer satisfaction, Archie feels an internal conflict as he ventures into an untamed landscape where the simplicity and vitality of rural life stands in stark contrast to his polished, urban existence. He soon encounters Désirée, who captivates him with her unconventional beauty and spirited personality. As he begins to paint her, the narrative hints at an evolving dynamic that complicates his engagement and threatens to disrupt the neatly arranged values he has always adhered to, particularly as he grapples with feelings of attraction that challenge his previous commitments.