The Siege of the Seven Suitors

A novel written in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of social intricacies and romantic entanglements, the story revolves around a group of characters linked by love, ambition, and personal quirks. The central figure is Arnold Ames, a chimney doctor who becomes embroiled in the affairs of his friend Hartley Wiggins and a remarkable family of women, including the enigmatic Cecilia Hollister and the eccentric Aunt Octavia. The opening portion introduces Arnold Ames as he dines with Wiggins, revealing their playful camaraderie and the latter's unusual glum demeanor. Their conversation hints at a deeper, unresolved conflict involving Wiggins and Cecilia Hollister, a woman he encountered at the Asolando Tea-Room, which subsequently drives him to leave for an unknown adventure. As Arnold becomes aware of his friend's romantic struggles, he decides to visit the Asolando again, setting in motion a series of events that will intertwine their lives further. The intrigue deepens as he encounters Cecilia and her formidable aunt, Octavia, hinting at complex relational dynamics and playful banter that foreshadow their adventures ahead.