The curse of Clifton : $b or, the widowed bride

"The Curse of Clifton; or, The Widowed Bride" by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth is a late 19th-century story likely exploring romance, society's rules, and tricky relationships, with a focus on people from different walks of life. The title hints at bad luck or a dark cloud over the Clifton family, especially for the women in it. The story begins with Captain Archer Clifton and Lieutenant Francis Fairfax riding through a dangerous mountain pass. As they navigate the rough terrain, they make jokes about their tough trip and their upcoming visit to Clifton's home. They talk about the idea of being from a noble family and what that means, with Captain Clifton acting a bit mysterious, especially when it comes to his uncle's young wife, Georgia. A storm forces them to take shelter in a small mountain cabin, where they meet a shepherdess looking after her sick grandfather. This encounter shows the contrast between their easy lives and the struggles of ordinary people, suggesting conflicts and personal discoveries to come.