Wilhelmina in London

"Wilhelmina in London" by Barry Pain is a story set in early 1900s London, where a resourceful young woman named Wilhelmina faces life head-on after her father's passing leaves her with little money. Determined to make her own way, Wilhelmina embarks on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, highlighting the difficulties and rewards that come with being independent. Early on, Wilhelmina ponders her less than ideal childhood, which was defined by her father's unreliability, especially with money. Following his death, she inherits a small sum and decides to move to London, still unsure of what she wants to do. Her very first day in the city brings a series of curious events, including an odd offer from a man named Nathan Gould. Nathan wants her to pretend to be his dead half-sister as part of a complex plan to protect his sick mother. Wilhelmina's down-to-earth attitude and doubts about Gould's true motives create a narrative that explores what it means to find yourself, navigate right and wrong, and strive for freedom in a busy and unpredictable city.