Cheerfulness, it would appear, is a matter which depends fully as much on the state of things within as on the state of things without and around us.
Considered one of her less well-known novels, Shirley is Charlotte Brontës only historical work, set during the Napoleonic Wars. Wealthy and independent, Shirley is very different from her friend Caroline, who has few prospects and is dependent on her uncle. Struggling mill owner Robert Moore considers marriage to the monied Shirley in o ...