On the wings of fate

"On the Wings of Fate" by Effie Adelaide Rowlands is a story that looks into the complex lives of the Pennington family, especially the oldest daughter Christina, in the early 1900s. The story starts with a normal but stressful Monday morning, hinting at problems and social expectations that will come up later. We meet the Penningtons with a sense of gloom with Mrs. Pennington's mood setting the tone for the family. Sisters Polly and Winifred show different personalities; Polly wants to escape the hardship of Mondays but also knows she has to face her family duties. The stage is set for problems to arise as the family deals with money troubles and big changes, especially Christina's engagement to Sir Mark Wentworth, a man that Valentine Ambleton warns her against. The first part of the story captures the feel of home life well, hinting at the personal and moral problems to come, with emotions strong and secrets threatening to be exposed.