The Last of the Mortimers: A Story in Two Voices

"The Last of the Mortimers: A Story in Two Voices" by Mrs. Oliphant is a 19th-century novel centered on the Mortimer sisters, Milly and Sarah, as they navigate their family's history and the pressing need for heirs to their declining estate. The story unfolds within the walls of their ancient, yet crumbling home, revealing intricate relationships and hidden secrets, touching on themes of responsibility, self-discovery, and the relentless march of time. From the opening scene in their drawing-room, where they reflect on their situation, to the pivotal moment when long-silent Sarah speaks, the reader glimpses into the sisters’ unusual lives. Milly’s growing awareness of their cousin, Richard Arkwright, sparks contemplation on their ancestry and the need to secure their estate’s future. Through Milly’s observations of her sister and her investigation into their shared past, readers are immersed in an environment thick with suspense, familial love, and the burden of expectation.