The Prince of the Captivity: The Epilogue to a Romance

"The Prince of the Captivity: The Epilogue to a Romance" by Sydney C. Grier tells the tale of Lord Usk, a young nobleman struggling with newfound feelings for an American heiress named Félicia Steinherz and the societal pressures that come with it. We see his internal conflict surrounding love, identity, and the collision of American opulence and British tradition, as the story begins with Usk aboard the South Wales Express, deeply engrossed in thoughts about Félicia. Memories show his surprise at the depth of emotion she has awakened in him, which contrasts sharply with his before pleasant life. Usk is challenged by his family's expectations, his concerns about wealth and prestige compared to Félicia and her father, and the weighty decision of whether to propose, all while characters such as Mr. Hicks offer comedic observations and suggest future difficulties arising from Usk's growing love.