The Benefactress

"The Benefactress" by Elizabeth von Arnim is a heartwarming tale about Anna Estcourt, a young and beautiful woman who finds herself without money and reliant on her distant brother. Rejecting all marriage proposals, Anna yearns for independence. Suddenly, her uncle leaves her a lovely property in Germany, fulfilling her dreams. Despite initial difficulties with the locals, Anna embraces her new home. Determined to use her wealth to help others, she opens her doors to distressed gentlewomen, unaware of the emotional toll it would take. While she claims to have no interest in men, the friendship of her neighbor, Axel Lohm, may make her new life more bearable. With Elizabeth von Arnim's signature humor and keen observations, this charming story explores themes of independence, friendship, and the challenges of philanthropy.