A Very Naughty Girl

by L. T. Meade

"A Very Naughty Girl" by L. T. Meade is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds at Wynford Castle, depicting the lives of two young girls, Audrey Wynford and her cousin Evelyn, who arrives from Tasmania to claim her inheritance. The book explores themes of social class, childhood innocence, and the clash of old customs with new expectations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Audrey, who is frustrated by her family’s tradition of hosting open-house New Year’s festivities, attracting all sorts of visitors. She dreads the arrival of her cousin Evelyn, who is the heiress to Wynford Castle. As the narrative progresses, Evelyn's arrival brings both excitement and a sense of unease. Told through the eyes of both girls, the opening chapters outline Audrey’s disdain for the customs and her scrutiny of the strange town girl Sylvia Leeson, whom Evelyn befriends. The contrast between Audrey's high upbringing and Evelyn's more carefree nature sets the stage for interpersonal conflicts that are likely to develop as the story unfolds.