The Clever Woman of the Family

"The Clever Woman of the Family" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a tale set in the Victorian era, focusing on Rachel Curtis, a young woman restless with the shallow expectations placed upon her. Following her father's death, Rachel is deeply unsatisfied with the prescribed roles for women of her social standing and longs for a significant purpose. When her widowed cousin Fanny arrives with her young sons, Rachel sees an opportunity to make a difference by overseeing their upbringing. Rachel is very decisive about wanting to find her own path which puts her against society rules. This sets the stage for a journey filled with challenges, personal growth, and the pursuit of a life beyond societal norms.