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Borrowed feathers

Ruth Lamb

Borrowed feathers by Ruth Lamb is a domestic romantic short story written in the late 19th century. It explores the tension between showy appearances and honest simplicity, following a young woman who resists pretence and ultimately finds true love. Annette “Nettie” Clifford is left to manage a shabby-genteel home with only a hopeless servant while her status-conscious mother and sister enjoy the seaside with a maid. Her warm-hearted godmother, Mrs. Worsley, arrives, sees Nettie’s quiet burdens, and whisks her away to Broadlands, thoughtfully outfitting her so she need not “borrow feathers.” There Nettie reunites with Arthur Boyd, whose affection ripened the previous year. A misunderstanding flares when Arthur notices a splendid diamond on Nettie’s engagement finger—actually a loaned ring—leading him to fear she is pledged to another, until Nettie breathlessly returns the trinket and the mistake is cleared. Arthur proposes with his family’s blessing; joy follows on all sides. Nettie’s happiness crowns a gentle moral: sincerity outshines display, and true worth needs no borrowed adornment.

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