Emmeline, the Orphan of the Castle

by Charlotte Smith

"Emmeline, the Orphan of the Castle" by Charlotte Smith is a novel published in 1788. Raised by servants in her uncle's castle after her parents' deaths, Emmeline's questionable legitimacy has cost her an inheritance. When her cousin Delamere falls in love with her, she refuses his persistent proposals, seeking independence over convenience. As she navigates society's expectations, family schemes, and questions of her birth, Emmeline must determine her own path in a world where women have few choices and marriage often means surrender.