The Carved Cupboard

"The Carved Cupboard" by Amy Le Feuvre is a late 19th-century story about four orphaned sisters, Agatha, Gwendoline, Clare, and Elfrida, who find their lives turned upside down when their rich aunt dies. Their home is left to a conniving cousin, James, forcing them to face an uncertain future. The sisters explore themes of independence, the strength of family ties, and the search for a new home. As the story begins in their London drawing-room, the sisters discuss the shifts in their lives caused by their aunt’s death and James’s unwelcome presence. Agatha provides a steady hand in this journey as the group leader, while Gwendoline makes her feelings about James very clear and is stressed about money. Clare thinks carefully about her next steps as she reflects on her engagement The youngest, Elfie, brings curiosity to the group as they consider moving to the countryside, where they'll encounter self-discovery and new experiences.