Oliver's Bride; A true Story

"Oliver's Bride; A True Story" by Mrs. Oliphant is a story set in the 1800s that follows Oliver Wentworth as he deals with his complicated history and upcoming marriage to Grace Goodheart, the long time love of his life. The story focuses on themes of love, regret, and moral choices, showing how past actions affect present happiness. Oliver tells Grace about his past, hinting at mistakes he has made. They feel happy and excited when they get engaged, but Oliver's worries and past events cast gloom over their joy. Grace loves Oliver even though he may not completely deserve her, and this creates a heartfelt conflict when he has to leave because of a letter about a dying woman from his past—someone he feels responsible for due to prior actions. This surprise introduces a complex look at responsibility versus personal wishes, leaving readers invested in how Oliver will make his choices amid love's tangled challenges.