Of High Descent

"Of High Descent" by George Manville Fenn is a story that takes place in a charming town by the sea, focusing on characters like the grumpy fisherman Luke Vine, his niece Louise, and their friends Madelaine and Harry Vine, which examines the bonds of family, where people stand in society, and love connections. The book starts with Luke Vine, a fisherman with a rough attitude, about to fish when Polly warns him about a big wave coming. As he talks with the women of the town and watches the busy coastal scene, it's clear he's annoyed by his family's problems and the conversations between them. The story then shows Louise and Madelaine, two energetic young women who know Luke well, and their actions suggest deeper love interests and family conflicts, especially regarding Louise’s brother Harry and his interest in Madelaine. The arrival of Duncan Leslie, a gentleman who seems important to Louise, adds more complexity as Uncle Luke shows his disapproval of any love ideas, setting the stage for the novel's investigation into character and social interactions.