About this story
Mary, a dressmaker's apprentice, is courted from two directions — a mill-owner's son with everything, and a foundry hand with nothing but patience. When a shot is fired in the street, the wrong man is taken for it. Gaskell's first novel, written angry. You are Mary, and the alibi that could save a life is yours to run down.
Who you’ll meet
Jem Wilson, the foundry engineer — the reader is Mary, so she stays off camera.
How it opens
May rain had passed, leaving the pond bright beneath a clearing sky.
Hawthorn whitened the hedges beyond the last stile.
Mrs. BartonKeep within call, lass; we shall be turning home presently.
Hast thou stripped every bush and left none for thy neighbours?
There is blossom enough for honest gatherers.
Then I must prove myself honest before thou givest me a sprig.