He that will not when he may; vol. III

"He That Will Not When He May; Vol. III" by Mrs. Oliphant is a 1800s era novel that explores a tangled web of identity, inheritance, and social class tensions centered around the character of Paul Markham. Following the death of his father, Paul's life is upended by a rival claimant to the family estate, thrusting him into emotional and social battles regarding his sense of belonging and entitlement. The story unfolds through interactions witnessed by observers like Mr. Scrivener, the lawyer, and delves into the complex relationships of characters such as Lady Markham and Alice who grapple with the loss of a husband and father. As emotions intensify, Paul escapes into the woods, distraught over his uncertain future and feelings of inadequacy, setting the scene for further explorations of love, class conflict, and the search for self against the backdrop of familial expectations and societal pressures.