Heart and Cross

"Heart and Cross" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel that explores the intricate lives of the Harley family, particularly focusing on Alice Harley, as she balances her familial responsibilities and personal desires within the constraints of 19th-century society. The story begins by painting a vivid picture of the Harley household, where Alice, an unmarried woman, contemplates her future amidst societal pressures and her growing affections for Derwent Crofton and the new Rector, Mr. Reredos, whose arrival stirs romantic possibilities. Young Derwent Crofton, with his playful curiosity, brings a touch of lightheartedness to the narrative, even as Alice navigates the complexities of love, duty, and self-fulfillment. The novel examines the roles of women in society, the importance of family, and the pursuit of personal happiness against the backdrop of societal expectations, setting the stage for a captivating exploration of the heart's yearnings.