Myrtle Reed's Edwardian romance book Lavender and Old Lace was released
in September of that same year. It tells the tale of a few amazing
ladies, each of whom has experienced love in a different way. Miss Jane
Hathaway is a wise leader in a little coastal town. Despite the fact
that the sister passed away without her forgiveness, she has long since
moved over the scandal caused by her elder sister's elopement. She
accepts Ruth Thorne's offer to visit after receiving a letter from the
34-year-old niece, but she departs before Ruth gets there. In an old
trunk, Ruth discovers some souvenirs and treasures. Because of an eye
condition, Mr. Winfield is unable to read or write. Ruth accepts Mr.
Winfield's proposal, however, there is no specified date. The wedding of
Hepsey and Joe is announced right away. Using Ruth's honeymoon as a
pretext, Aunt Jane dismisses Hepsey when she learns of her husband's
wandering eye. With all of the excitement, it's hard to picture the
shock when Aunt Jane, a married lady, returns! Ruth stays with Miss
Ainslie while she modifies her will to leave everything to Ruth and
Carl. Both, particularly Carl, assert that they would like to have her.
They discuss a dream Carl had about his father, but she refuses to think
it is anything more than a coincidence.
