He that will not when he may; vol. II

"He that will not when he may; vol. II" by Mrs. Oliphant is a 19th-century novel centered on the Markham family, particularly the sisters Bell and Marie. When an unforeseen family crisis leaves the young girls to oversee their home, their inquisitiveness draws them to Mr. Augustus Markham Gaveston, a relative whose motivations are uncertain. Their home, Markham Chase experiences a mixture of gravity and anticipation when the family elders suddenly leave the girls home alone. Bell assumes responsibility, striving to keep things in order amidst the chaos and questions. Mr. Gaveston's arrival injects an air of mystery, as his profound interest in the Markhams stirs both interest and wariness in the children, hinting at obscure relatives, long-lost links, and concealed family secrets to be discovered.