Kissing the Rod: A Novel. (Vol. 1 of 3)

"Kissing the Rod: A Novel" by Edmund Yates is a story set in bustling 1860s London, which follows Robert Streightley, a hardworking money-broker, whose orderly life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Katharine Guyon. Initially, Robert is caught up in his demanding profession, but Katharine's arrival sparks unfamiliar emotions, making him question his rigid existence. The novel examines themes of class differences and personal ambition as Robert finds himself drawn to Katharine's free spirit, experiencing both admiration and jealousy when he notices her interactions with others, like the charming Gordon Frere, against the backdrop of societal expectations and the transformative power of love.