Far above rubies (Vol. 3 of 3) : $b A novel

"Far Above Rubies" by Mrs. J. H. Riddell is a novel that continues to explore the perils of ambition, dishonesty, and intricate social interactions in the late 1800s. The story follows Arthur Dudley as he struggles with his troubled financial investments and his interactions with the mysterious Mr. Black. Arthur feels cheated and inadequate as he navigates the harsh realities of the business world, and the story explores intricate relationships and the relentless pursuit of wealth. Arthur recalls past failures and the feeling of being exploited by Mr. Black, the man behind a flour company; stuck in his role as a secretary, he begins to think about his past and how different it is from his current London life. It sets the stage for a story of ambition, regret, and the often cruel nature of societal expectations during a time when wealth can dictate one's worth.