The Shield of Love

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the Fox-Cordery family, particularly focusing on Charlotte Fox-Cordery, a modern Cinderella struggling under the oppression of her tyrannical mother and brother. The novel explores themes of love, social class, and personal resilience against familial constraints, as Charlotte finds herself caught between her harsh reality and the hope of a better future through her relationship with John Dixon. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Charlotte Fox-Cordery and her brother, the self-absorbed Mr. Fox-Cordery, who lives a life of luxury at the expense of his sister's servitude. Their dynamic reflects Charlotte's position in the family as a Cinderella figure, forced into drudgery and given little love or respect. The opening chapters depict Charlotte's childhood memories with her father, the subsequent burden of her mother’s control, and the bleakness of her daily existence. Despite her circumstances, Charlotte's innate compassion and hopeful spirit shine through as she develops feelings for John Dixon, laying the groundwork for her struggle to assert her identity and seek the love and life she desires amidst oppression.