The Residuary Legatee; Or, The Posthumous Jest of the Late John Austin

A work of fiction written in the late 19th century. This novel intricately weaves themes of inheritance and romance, centered around the character Austin May, who returns to his family estate after several years away, ushering in a series of unforeseen complications regarding his legacy and love life. As he navigates the complexities of his uncle's will, which includes peculiar stipulations and a mysterious “residuary legatee,” readers are invited into a world of wit, charm, and playful intrigue. At the start of the story, Austin May arrives at his family estate in Brookline, Massachusetts, encountering only an uncharacteristically quiet household and the somewhat chatty housekeeper, Mrs. Eastman. With a St. Bernard dog named Fides accompanying him, May showcases his bachelor lifestyle while contemplating his return to the estate and the memories it holds. As he grapples with the readings of an old will, he discovers that his inheritance is tied to an intriguing condition that may dramatically affect his future romances, particularly with May Austin, his cousin, whom he has unresolved feelings for. There’s a sense of humor and irony woven into the narrative as May begins to experience the implications of his uncle's eccentric legal choices, setting the stage for a unique exploration of love, obligation, and self-discovery.