Hester: A Story of Contemporary Life, Volume 1

Hester: A Story of Contemporary Life, Volume 1, written by Margaret O. Oliphant in the 1880s, follows Catherine Vernon, a strong matriarch managing her family and business. The arrival of 14-year-old Hester, a determined girl with her own ambitions, disrupts Catherine's plans for her beloved protege, Edward. The narrative explores themes of love and rivalry, while also offering a notable portrayal of women in business during its era.