Dora Thorne

"Dora Thorne" by Charlotte M. Brame is a romance story set in a time when social class mattered a great deal; it follows Ronald Earle, who is set to inherit a grand estate, as he falls deeply in love with Dora Thorne, a lodge keeper’s daughter, however, Ronald’s father, the stern Lord Earle, is completely against their love because Dora is not of the same social standing as them. An early conversation in the book shows the struggle between Ronald and his father, making it clear that Lord Earle sees Dora as unworthy; Ronald is determined to marry Dora because he sees her as innocent and beautiful, but his father and society expect him to marry someone of higher status, so their love is opposed and questioned. The conflict between love and social duty is a major point, promising both a sweet romance and possible heartbreak.