A Widow's Tale, and Other Stories

"A Widow's Tale, and Other Stories" by Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant is a collection showcasing the lives of women in the 1800s as they deal with love, responsibility, and fitting into society. One story follows Nelly Brunton, a young widow, who goes back to her family after her husband passes away complicating things for everyone. We see this at the start of "A Widow's Tale," with the family preparing for Nelly's visit with a mix of worry and anticipation. Nelly's return brings tension to the family that is filled with love and romance and her own quiet sadness as she tries to figure out who she is as a widow. May, the younger sister, worries that Nelly will mess up her relationship with Fitzroy. As the story moves forward, the characters interact in complicated ways showing jealousy, loss, and societal expectations about being a widow and romantic dreams.