Maid of the Mist

by John Oxenham

"Maid of the Mist" by John Oxenham is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens with a scene centered around a hunting party in the English countryside, showcasing their struggles and camaraderie amid the challenges of the chase. The narrative introduces several key characters, including Wulfrey Dale, a compassionate doctor, and Pasley Carew, the master of the hunt, whose reckless nature and temperament set the stage for conflict and drama. At the start of the novel, a hunting accident leaves Pasley Carew gravely injured, revealing the darker sides of both his character and the harsh realities of their social setting. As Wulfrey Dale tends to Carew, the emotional undercurrents of their relationships unfold, particularly concerning Elinor, Carew's wife, and Wulfrey's long-held feelings for her. The opening sets a tone of tension and foreboding, as Carew's temper and fatalism indicate that the consequences of their lives and choices will lead to deeper turmoil. This suspenseful beginning hints at themes of love, sacrifice, and the moral complexities faced by the characters intertwined in their fates.