The Story of Valentine and His Brother

by Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant

"The Story of Valentine and His Brother" by Mrs. Oliphant is a fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds at Rosscraig House, where the characters grapple with emotional turmoil stemming from family dynamics and societal expectations. The central storyline revolves around Lady Eskside and her troubled son, Richard, who faces the consequences of his controversial marriage and the unexpected return of his child, Valentine. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is set in a dimly lit drawing-room where an urgent conversation occurs between Lady Eskside and her friend Mary. Lady Eskside shares the tumultuous history of her son Richard and the woman he married, revealing layers of family strife and tension. As the story progresses, the winds of fate bring unexpected news—the return of her grandson, Valentine, who arrives amidst a raging storm, thus intertwining the fates of all involved. The emotional conflict escalates as Richard returns home, unprepared for the revelations awaiting him, leading to a complex exploration of love, loss, and redemption.