Girls of the Forest

by L. T. Meade

"Girls of the Forest" by L. T. Meade is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around the lives of a group of young girls living in a charming but neglected Elizabethan mansion in the New Forest. The primary focus is on Verena and her sisters, who are bracing themselves for the arrival of their Aunt Sophia, a woman they anticipate will disrupt their carefree existence with her rigid ideas about education and decorum. The opening portion introduces the lively dynamic among the sisters as they engage in playful banter regarding Aunt Sophia's impending visit. The girls' plans to resist her influence suggest a spirited rebellion against authority. Verena, the most respected among them, navigates the discussions surrounding their aunt with a mix of trepidation and determination. The narrative sets a whimsical tone, mixing humor and the girls' youthful innocence as they prepare for a significant shift in their daily lives, foreshadowing the challenges and changes that Aunt Sophia's arrival will bring.