Milly's Errand: Or, Saved to Save

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a coastal village, centering around the experiences of two fisher boys, Jack and Bob, who encounter a mysterious and reclusive doctor, Dr. Mansfield. The narrative explores themes of familial bonds, sacrifice, and redemption as the boys gather seaweed for the doctor and, ultimately, rescue a child named Milly from a shipwreck, intertwining their lives in unexpected ways. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the coastal setting and the two brothers hard at work collecting seaweed to support their sick mother. They discuss the local doctor, who is rumored to be wealthy but haunted by a troubled past. When a storm causes a ship to run aground, Bob bravely saves a child lashed to a spar, bringing her to Dr. Mansfield for help. As Bob and Jack navigate their struggles as fisher boys, the stage is set for Milly's arrival, which will significantly impact the lives around her, including a transformation for the lonely doctor. The beginning establishes a blend of adventure, compassion, and the complexities of human emotions that characterize the unfolding story.