The Lady of the Shroud

A novel written during the late 19th century. This story intertwines elements of the supernatural and the occult with themes of family and inheritance, focusing on characters connected by the will of Roger Melton and the mysterious circumstances surrounding it, notably a haunting apparition witnessed at sea. At the start of the novel, a mysterious and unusual event occurs as the Italia Steamship Company's vessel encounters a woman drifting in a coffin-like boat, shrouded and seemingly lifeless. This vision sparks intrigue and foreboding, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative about Roger Melton's will and the interrelations between the Melton family and others linked by blood or obligation. The opening delves into the dynamics of family pride, social status, and the complexities of relationships that will play a significant role in the unfolding of the plot. The stage is thus set for a gripping tale of secrets, ambition, and perhaps the supernatural as the effects of this enigmatic will are revealed.