Somerswood 

editorial review by The Historical Fiction Company 

 

Miss Lilian Ward, a blossoming young lady of the Victorian Era, is a maiden saddled with an infirm constitution and an iron will. In this brief tale shared by her ancestor, readers are given a glimpse into the dreams and longings of a delicate damsel who yearns to showcase her musical accomplishments at a concert hosted by the Vicar. The youngest daughter of six who dreams of being courted and loved rather than living cautiously and quietly in the ever-present fear that a sickly heart condition will lead to her early demise.

 

I don’t want to be the cosseted, closeted, invalid youngest child who’s never permitted to be free. I yearn to be the opposite: a wanton minx, unruled and running wild. Yes, my stupid heart might stop, but at least I’ll have really lived.

 

As the baby of the brood, Lily has not only the over-protectiveness of her mother to contend with but that of her sisters as well. Physical exertion is always limited. Excitement and any antics that may cause undue strain are forbidden. The thought of Lily performing her violin in public is never entertained by any of her family who cannot see that the smothering and babying they insist upon are causing the very stresses they seek to avoid.

 

While visiting Somerswood, an acquaintance’s home down the lane, Lily is startled to discover an apparition. The friendly spirit offers Lily a bit of comradery and comfort, along with a small dose of encouragement to stand up for herself to her family.

 

Something wakes inside me. The lady ghost has shown me that I can be wanted as a worthy, adult human being.

 

I remember the awful, impotent, weakling loneliness that’s shadowed me, and vow never to be trapped like that again.

 

Like most rebellious teens, Lily defies her mother’s wishes to remain calm and abed. Fleeing to Somerswood, she takes up residence in her friend’s home while she’s away. Coexisting peacefully with her champion spirit guide, Lily is treated as mistress of the manor by doting servants who value her friendliness and respectful demeanor. Cloaked in the silk finery of borrowed gowns and sampling tasty drinks and morsels is a far cry from her penny-pinching household of hand-me-down taffeta and far meager fare, and Lily enjoys the change immensely. With the aid of her trustworthy maid Ella and the household staff, Lily is even gifted with the possibility of performing at the Vicar’s upcoming concert. Auditioning for the Vicar’s daughter the very next day will be the icing on the cake.

 

It’s at this precise point that Nellie marches in. I shouldn’t be surprised. My eldest sister has an uncanny ability to ruin every good thing as soon as it happens.

 

As with all good things, they come to an end. Nellie arrives to further dash Lily’s dream of playing in the Vicar’s concert and drags her home for good measure. Adding to the bruising disappointment of learning that the Vicar had already selected her other sister Ada to accompany Nellie at the concert, Lily’s health declined with another episode of heart distress. Back home and confined to her bed, her spirits also took a tumble into severe melancholy. While at her lowest point of being trapped in her bed with nothing but depressing thoughts to keep her company, her friendly spirit from Somerswood appeared by her side to cajole her into returning to the place she had enjoyed so well.

 

Somerswood can save you. Come back with me, I beg

 

Boosted with the knowledge that her kindred spirit was leading her to salvation rather than astray, Lily returned to Somerswood to find her friend back in residence. Not only was the lady of the manor home, but Polly Prince was determined to see her friend Lily flourish and thrive under her roof at Somerswood.

 

Based upon actual characters in her family ancestry, the author weaves a tale of legend mixed with fact. Somerswood is a short story of strength and determination, traits that are always enviable in any character. There is quite a bit of imagery in a small number of pages, which translated well into understanding the period and its social mores. There were one or two instances in the story that felt a

little disjointed or out of sync with the storyline, but overall, it’s an entertaining short story worthy of a four-star rating.

 

****

“Somerswood” by Lily Style receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company