The Scarlet Feather

"The Scarlet Feather" by Houghton Townley is a story set in the early 1900s that follows the Swinton family, headed by Reverend John, as they deal with money problems and tough choices. The family is made up of the Reverend, his wife Mary, and their son Dick. They are trying to keep up appearances as they face losing everything while the threat of war looms around them. Mary thinks about her dad's stinginess and how her dreams are out of reach, and there's drama from debts they can't pay. As the story moves forward, hints of love and relationships come into play, showing even more problems and social expectations that the characters will face and attempt to overcome. The story reveals their desires and challenges as they try to navigate personal goals alongside tough financial times, setting the scene for a tale of mystery and heavy emotions.