Scarlet Stockings
by Louisa May Alcott
Harry Lennox has been away from town for five years and is back visiting his sister Kate. Kate has become friends with Belle Morgan, “a nice, bright, energetic, warm-hearted dear.” Harry hasn’t met Belle yet but he likes to watch her pass by wearing her scarlet stockings. Harry would like Kate to introduce him, but Kate knows how Belle feels about Harry. Belle said she “wasn’t fond of peacocks.”
Harry does seem full of himself but he finally makes the acquaintance of Belle. I don’t think Belle is exactly what Harry was expecting. Belle is very “principled” about various issues in life. She is passionate about caring for the poor and sick, she walks five to six miles a day, and she knits large socks for unknown soldiers going to fight for the North.
As Harry gradually comes to understand Belle, his usual swagger and “peacock” ways begin to change. When his month’s visit to his sister is over, he is unhappy about leaving both his sister and Belle. Although Belle has changed her opinion of Harry, she still can’t give her affections to a man who is not patriotic enough to fight as a soldier for his country.
So Belle finishes her knitted socks and makes a few other items for an anonymous soldier who will be her “substitute” in the war. Belle’s father agrees to take the items to the anonymous soldier prior to their departure for the battlefield. As the troops set off they march through the streets of town. Belle is shocked when she sees the “substitute” soldier who is marching off to war.
This short story was pure Louisa May Alcott. It was the same old-fashioned, stiff writing as Little Women, but the characters shine through. In this short three-chapter story, the author gave us nicely developed characters, especially Harry and Belle. It was nice to find the short stories of Louisa May Alcott. I can recommend this one, if you like Alcott’s writing but don’t want to wade through her novels. You can find this short story here.
If you’d like to read other bloggers who have posted short stories or if you’d like to join in, visit John at Book Mind Set for more Short Story Monday.
NORTHERN CALLIFORNIA
I haven’t read this story, but I like LMA and so I’m sure I’d like this. I’m not a huge short story reader, but sometimes the mood hits…
It’s been so long since I’ve read anything by Alcott. I know I read Little Women but I don’t remember how I felt about it.
I loved LW as a child. Not too long ago I read Eight Cousins, Little Men, and A Rose in Bloom. They were sort of moral tales, but I still liked them. This story does seem on familiar ground. I’m surprised I like her so much, but I do.
Alcott wrote short stories? I had no idea! Thanks so much for the link…will be reading this one later.
I didn’t know she wrote short stories either.
I’m going to have to check out the link to this story…sounds great and I love Alcott!
I didn’t know she wrote short stories. I’ll have to read this one. Thanks for the review.
I didn’t know she wrote shorties either. I want to get my hands on her “naughty” tales – she had more fun writing the racy trashy ones instead of the moral ones she’s known for ;0)