Odeyne's Marriage

A novel written in the late 19th century. It follows Odeyne Hamilton, a clergyman’s daughter who marries the charming, affluent, and somewhat impressionable Desmond St. Claire, and enters the world of The Chase—a country estate near London. The narrative weighs the pull of wealth, fashion, and pleasure against the steady, principled upbringing of a loving rectory home, with gambling and social display testing the couple’s ideals. Central figures shaping the new marriage include Desmond’s refined but worldly mother and sisters, and Odeyne’s devoted twin, Guy. The opening of the novel sets Desmond’s wedding against family misgivings: his mother and sisters question his steadiness, while the lively Beatrice contrasts with the cooler Maud. We then see Odeyne’s tender farewell to her large Devon rectory household, her quiet resolve shaped by a heartfelt talk with Guy, and a happy village wedding. Early married days bring a surprise visit back home, the decision to take faithful Alice as maid, and the young wife’s first responsibilities—household prayers, furnishing Desmond’s study, and a gently strained first meeting with her mother-in-law and Maud. Introduced to society at Beatrice’s dinner, Odeyne shines, but a “little cloud” forms as Desmond’s casual betting and plans for Goodwood unsettle her; she goes, delights in the spectacle, yet remains troubled by the misery on its margins, even as Beatrice hints she should steer Desmond away from such scenes.