Mirk Abbey, Volume 2 (of 3)

"Mirk Abbey, Volume 2 (of 3)" by James Payn is a story set long ago that centers on Lady Lisgard and her maid, Mary Forest, as they navigate through difficult times and tough decisions. The book looks into the ideas of being faithful, love, and what happens because of the choices people make, especially as Mary thinks about marrying the strange Mr. Derrick, and Lady Lisgard deals with secrets from long ago. At the beginning, Lady Lisgard and Mary have a heartfelt conversation regarding Mary's upcoming wedding plans; with Lady Lisgard showing worry to Mary, while questioning the man she is about to marry. As they discuss the old days, including a bad experience that brought them together, feelings become tense when it is clear that Mary likes someone whose honesty is not clear.