White Lies
by Charles Reade (1814–1884)
- Free to read
- 8 hours to read
- 24 chapters
- Reading level: 6th grade
"White Lies" by Charles Reade is a novel written during the late 19th century, which explores themes of nobility, loss, and the complexities of social class during a time of political upheaval in France. The story centers on the family of the late Baron de Beaurepaire, particularly his widow and two daughters, Josephine and Rose, as they navigate life after the baron's death against the backdrop of the French Revolution and its societal ramifications. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Baron de Beaurepaire and his esteemed family lineage, which is now threatened by the tumultuous political landscape following the Revolution. The baroness and her daughters grapple with financial difficulties and the loss of their social standing while reflecting on their past prosperity. The baroness, supported by close family friend Dr. Aubertin, tries to maintain their dignity despite their declining circumstances. The story unfolds to reveal the sisters' budding interactions with Edouard Riviere, a young official who becomes increasingly intrigued by them, setting the stage for the exploration of class, honor, and romance amidst their struggles.
- France · History · Wars of the Vendée, 1793-1832
- Marriage
Read the opening
Chapter I
Towards the close of the last century the Baron de Beaurepaire lived in the chateau of that name in Brittany. His family was of prodigious antiquity; seven successive barons had already flourished on this spot when a younger son of the house accompanied his neighbor the Duke of Normandy in his descent on England, and was rewarded by a grant of English land, on which he dug a mote and built a chateau, and called it Beaurepaire (the worthy Saxons turned this into Borreper without delay). Since that day more than twenty gentlemen of the same lineage had held in turn the original chateau and lands, and handed them down to their present lord.
Thus rooted in his native Brittany, Henri Lionel Marie St. Quentin de Beaurepaire was as fortunate as any man can be pronounced before he dies. He had health, rank, a good income, a fair domain, a goodly house, a loving wife, and two lovely young daughters, all veneration and affection. Two months every year he visited the Faubourg St. Germain and the Court. At both every gentleman and every lacquey knew his name, and his face: his return to Brittany after this short absence was celebrated by a rustic fete.
Keep reading White Lies →
Download for your e-reader
Files are provided by Project Gutenberg. On a Kindle, the simplest route is to send the EPUB with Amazon’s Send to Kindle. Downloaded copies don’t sync with your place on Classic Book Reader.
About this edition
This free edition of White Lies by Charles Reade comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #2472, released 2006-05-17. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Historical Novels, Romance, Novels, French Literature.
Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).
