The Gaslight Journal
by Carla René
The year is 1881. In spite of being in America, how you appear to Victorian high-society determines your future.
Isabella Audley is on Christmas break from Radcliffe, returning home for the first time in 3 years to Fairtown, NY. Grieving the loss of her father, who died of pneumonia a month before leaving for school, she is excited to finally spend holiday with her mother, Lilly, see cherished friends, and step back into the life of privilege she's always known.
But her bliss is cut short with rumors of a tragedy that's befallen her mother. While rummaging for decorations one afternoon, "Izzy" discovers her father's journal and reference to his hidden secret, and confronts Lilly.
Soon, it's evident that their relationship may not stand against Lilly's deception at having prior knowledge of the situation (a dark truth that’s already set the course for their family’s destruction), and it will tear them apart unless they cannot learn how to overcome it.
Only Thomas, a childhood friend, whom she soon discovers has a secret of his own, has it in his power to pull them from ruin. As Izzy finds herself falling for him, it's apparent that their difference in class, now caused by her slip in status, thanks to the repercussions of her father's secret, may prevent them from finding the happiness they were meant to have.
Isabella Audley is on Christmas break from Radcliffe, returning home for the first time in 3 years to Fairtown, NY. Grieving the loss of her father, who died of pneumonia a month before leaving for school, she is excited to finally spend holiday with her mother, Lilly, see cherished friends, and step back into the life of privilege she's always known.
But her bliss is cut short with rumors of a tragedy that's befallen her mother. While rummaging for decorations one afternoon, "Izzy" discovers her father's journal and reference to his hidden secret, and confronts Lilly.
Soon, it's evident that their relationship may not stand against Lilly's deception at having prior knowledge of the situation (a dark truth that’s already set the course for their family’s destruction), and it will tear them apart unless they cannot learn how to overcome it.
Only Thomas, a childhood friend, whom she soon discovers has a secret of his own, has it in his power to pull them from ruin. As Izzy finds herself falling for him, it's apparent that their difference in class, now caused by her slip in status, thanks to the repercussions of her father's secret, may prevent them from finding the happiness they were meant to have.