| The Countess of Rossilion's son Bertam goes to Paris to help the king of France. Helena, a lady in the Countess' protection, has fallen in love with Bertram. She plans to travel to Paris to use her medical skills to try and heal the king who is ill.
Helena successfully cures the king and he reward her by arranging for her to marry Bertram even though he does not love her. After they are married, Bertram flees to serve the Duke of Florence in the wars so he can escape his new wife. Helena returns home to live with the Countess. Bertram sends a letter to his mother, the Countess, saying he will never accept Helena unless she can get the ring he wears and give him a child that he fathers, seeming impossibilities since he is away in Florence. Helena spreads a rumor that she has died. Then she disguises herself as a pilgrim and goes to Florence where she meets an old widow who agrees to help her achieve her goal. Helena and the widow's daughter, Diana, switch places to deceive Bertram. Later, when Bertram believes Helena is dead, he decides that he loves her, though too late. When the secret is disclosed, Bertram vows to love Helena dearly. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1600-1899 - Romance/Romance Problems Yes Kind of romance: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Has magical powers? Yes Main Adversary Identity: - none Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 2 () Europe Yes European country: - France Writing Style Weird Victorian/Shakespearean English? Yes Amount of dialog - mostly dialog |
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