Romances of Colonial Days by Geraldine Brooks

     My aunt gave me and my mom a copy of this collection of short romance tales about men and women who lived in the American Colonies.  On the third page of the book is an inscription in beautiful, old-fashioned script: From Marion.  Commencement May 26th 1904.  I'm always happy when I have a slight hint as to the book's history before it came to me.  I only wish Marion had written the name of her young friend. 
     This is the only book by Geraldine Brooks that I have ever read.  She writes such interesting stories.  I would like to collect the other books she wrote. I do not know exactly how you categorize her stories; it's neither non-fiction nor historical fiction.  This is part of what she says in the preface on the subject:

    Once a poet with the gold of fact and the alloy of his own fancy fashioned a poem which he called a "Ring."  In writing these "Romances of Colonial Days" I have endeavored to keep the poet's "Ring" always in mind, to make them rings of romance in which gold and alloy each has its part.  Musty old records, letters, and diaries of men and women long since dead have furnished me my gold; and it is surprising how much of gold, facts still breathing the life, the love, the joys and sorrows of bygone day, lies hidden in these dry-looking mines of history.*   

     I do not know to what extent her books are available in physical book format.  However, thanks to modern technology, her books are available for online reading at Internet Archive Search: Brooks, Geraldine

     Here is the table of contents and a brief synopsis of each short story.

                                          Romances of Colonial Days:

     I. In Mayflower Time (1621)

          The fabled romance of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins of Plymouth Plantation.  “Why don’t you speak for yourself, John?”

     II.  Beside the Water-Gate (1690)

          Marriage for love or for political alliance: the story of Abram Gouveneur, a Frenchman, and Mary Leisler, a Dutchwoman. 

     III.  The Secret of the Trees (1735)

          Daniel Parke Custis, a Virginia plantation owner, presents his suite of love to his cousin, Evelyn Byrd, at the honeysuckle gate.

     IV.  A Crown That Stung (1744)

          Agnes Surriage must choose whether to remain under the protection of her benefactor and love, Mr. Harry Frankland, or return to her home and loving family.

     V.  The Serving of a Laggard Lover (1751) 

          Miss Hannah Waldo of Boston has been engaged to Andrew Pepperell, the son of a baronet, for five years, but she is growing weary of the prolonged engagement.

     VI. The Wooing of a Governor (1760)

          Governor Benning Wentworth is keenly feeling the absence of wife and family as he faces the later years of his life. 

     VII. The Passing of a Sweetheart (1773)

          Dr. Benjamin Rush watches helplessly as his patient and sweetheart, Sally Eve, slowly fades away from him.

     VIII.  A Strain from the Mischianza (1778)

          Miss Peggy Chew is enjoying the company of the British officers – especially the attentions of Captain Andre.  Only a frightening dream mars her happiness. 

     IX.  In the Ambassador’s Garden (1785)

          Miss Abby Adams receives a letter from her father’s secretary, Colonel Smith, expressing his desire to win her heart when he returns.  This is the only story that takes place outside the United States. 
 
     After each story, Geraldine Brooks includes an epilogue.  I always appreciate and enjoy an epilogue, even if the story does not end the way I wish it would.  If you would like more information about these delightful stories, please let me know!  My own personal favorites are Beside the Water-Gate, The Serving of a Laggard Lover, and The Wooing of a Governor.  
     Happy Valentine's Day!


  *The clip from the preface and the titles of the chapters: Brooks, Geraldine.  Romances of Colonial Days.  New York: Thomas Y. Crowell & Company, 1903.  Print.