A Rose of Yesterday

"A Rose of Yesterday" by F. Marion Crawford is a story from the 1800s that follows a young woman's journey as she tries to understand her feelings for her guardian amidst themes of love and duty. The plot revolves around Sylvia and Colonel Wimpole, who have a close connection that is tested as Sylvia struggles with her feelings. When they are discussing an etching of a knight, Sylvia’s innocent view of heroism clashes with the Colonel’s past experiences of war. There is a building tension between them with an imbalance of affection complicating the situation. The novel examines themes of passion and obligation and the characters' desires as they navigate the rigid expectations of high society, particularly young Sylvia's naive belief that Wimpole shares the same feelings she has for him.