That Affair at Elizabeth

"That Affair at Elizabeth" by Burton Egbert Stevenson is a turn-of-the-century mystery where a joyous wedding day spirals into confusion as the bride, Marcia Lawrence, vanishes just before she is to marry Burr Curtiss. Mr. Lester, a central figure in the story, is thrust into action to solve the puzzling disappearance and find out why she fled. We are initially informed that Marcia is missing by Mr. Royce, a friend of the groom, when he was on his way to the Elizabeth wedding. What first appears to be a case of wedding-day jitters soon becomes a perplexing mystery, leading Royce and Lester to investigate the complexities of Marcia's life and her mother. The story creates suspense, exploring the themes of romance, social pressures, and concealed truths as Lester seeks Marcia and uncovers the reasons behind her escape.