Catherine Vernon has a firm hand on her family and on the family business. Her plans for her young protege Edward, whom she loves like a son, are disturbed by the arrival of Hester, a 14-year-old girl who is just as strong willed. The conflict between Catherine and Hester is resolved through their mutual love for Edward. On one level a love story, Hester is unusual for its time in its portrayal of women in business. - Summary by Anne Erickson
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Chapters
- Chapter 1
Vernon's
27:02 - Chapter 2
Miss Catherine
23:10 - Chapter 3
The Vernonry
23:53 - Chapter 4
A First Meeting
24:47 - Chapter 5
Next Morning
24:29 - Chapter 6
Neighbours and Relations
20:25 - Chapter 7
Settling Down
28:15 - Chapter 8
Nineteen
26:23 - Chapter 9
Recollections
24:34 - Chapter 10
A Lover
24:39 - Chapter 11
Mother and Daughter
25:57 - Chapter 12
An Indignant Spectator
32:27 - Chapter 13
Catherine's Opinion
27:26 - Chapter 14
Harry's View
24:45 - Chapter 15
What Edward Thought
18:02 - Chapter 16
Walks and Talks
22:42