Brief description:
In New York City, the wealthy,aged, Jotham Bagg passes away wifeless, childless and intestate. A number of cousins all had expectations, some more than others. One was Max Van Kirk, a recent graduate of West Point, who was persuaded to resign his commission in anticipation of assuming the role of managing Mr. Bagg's affairs.
Alas, not so. The lawyer executor of the estate determined that the spinster daughter of Mr. Bagg's brother was to the inherit the lot, leaving other's (some very unhappily) out in the cold. Now Miss Lydia Bagg, living outside of Boston in very humble circumstances, was largely unknown to the rest of the family . She was stunned and totally unprepared to assume the mantle of enormous wealth.
Max Van Kirk takes the "high road" with no expectations and escorts Miss Bagg to New York to meet with the executor.-- after arranging with great effort -- that Lydia had garments more suited to the big city Miss Bagg moves into Jotham's mansion and not knowing who else to trust, persuades Max to manage her affairs -- become her Secretary. Not having other prospects, the young man assents to the shock of the other relatives, but with the great approval of the lawyer, executor.
Now romance ensues (not between Miss Bagg and Max) but with other women enticing the very eligible Max. It reaches a climax during a visit to West Point to take in the scenery and the cadet's summer encampment on the Plain. Miss Bagg is fascinated with West Point, and pays for everyone to stay at the Cozzen's Hotel on the Point for several weeks. In the end, true love triumphs, and Lydia extends great generosity to the family.
Alas, not so. The lawyer executor of the estate determined that the spinster daughter of Mr. Bagg's brother was to the inherit the lot, leaving other's (some very unhappily) out in the cold. Now Miss Lydia Bagg, living outside of Boston in very humble circumstances, was largely unknown to the rest of the family . She was stunned and totally unprepared to assume the mantle of enormous wealth.
Max Van Kirk takes the "high road" with no expectations and escorts Miss Bagg to New York to meet with the executor.-- after arranging with great effort -- that Lydia had garments more suited to the big city Miss Bagg moves into Jotham's mansion and not knowing who else to trust, persuades Max to manage her affairs -- become her Secretary. Not having other prospects, the young man assents to the shock of the other relatives, but with the great approval of the lawyer, executor.
Now romance ensues (not between Miss Bagg and Max) but with other women enticing the very eligible Max. It reaches a climax during a visit to West Point to take in the scenery and the cadet's summer encampment on the Plain. Miss Bagg is fascinated with West Point, and pays for everyone to stay at the Cozzen's Hotel on the Point for several weeks. In the end, true love triumphs, and Lydia extends great generosity to the family.
Publication
Houghton, Mifflin, (1992), 1st,Hdbk,,,VG