Cirrus@Austlit

From its advertisement in 26.310 (March 1891), p. 404: 'The story opens in England, but is is largely concerned with the operations of the British forces in the Indian Mutiny, Abyssinia and in Zuzuland. The hero is a soldier ... just returned from active service in the Crimea." Deals with his romance and 'his determination' to carry his bride to India'. Family saga, dealing with changing fates and dwindling class distinctions. Geoffrey Ayre loves the refined but 'common' daughter of long-term farmers of his brother Will's estate in Warwickshire. Rachel Abbot returns his love, Will Ayre is willing to accept her but his proud wife Emily refuses to. Geoffrey wants to marry Rachel in the 2 weeks before he has to sail to join his regiment in India, and does so. On the way to India they are befriended by Lord and Lady Vane. Later, Lady V. accompanies Rachel and her son Clement in their flight from Delhi where Geoffrey has been killed in a native uprising. Returning to her father's house after a narrow escape from the rebels and the premature birth of her daughter, Rachel finds the squire dying and Lady Emily refuring to acknowledge her. Lady E. refuses to renew the lease on R.'s family home and forces her to mvoe to her son's inheritance. The years pass, the cousins growing closer but Lady E. and R. even further apart. R.'s son Clement and daughter Evy become close to a noble family nearby who also know Lady E., and when they finally meet Lady E. admits her regret for the past and her jealousy that her own son will surely die while R's 2 children are healthy and likely to marry well. A battle in Zululand claims Evelyn's betrothed and she marries her cousin Will, her love saving him from death. Well written; interesting mainly re women's self sacrifice and class loyalties and conflicts.