One Autumn Night

# One Autumn Night

By M. E. Penn

This Victorian domestic drama centers on Maud Severne, an heiress living in Warwickshire with her country parson father. Two brothers from the neighboring Clieveden Hall compete for her affection: the worthy elder son Gilbert, a scholarly artist and literary contributor to prestigious journals, and the charming but financially irresponsible younger brother Reginald, an army officer. When Reginald confesses his love by the river one autumn evening, Maud accepts him despite her mother's warnings and her prior encouragement of Gilbert's suit. Reginald, disturbed to learn Gilbert is at Glenfalloch in the Scottish Highlands, resolves to formalize the engagement with Maud's father before Gilbert returns. Maud, left alone afterward, experiences pangs of doubt and regret, remembering Gilbert's steadfast devotion and recognizing she may have sacrificed genuine worth for superficial charm.