The Executor: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine vol. LXXXIX

In Short

The Executor is a 19th-century novel by Margaret Oliphant that explores the social dynamics of a small English town after a wealthy woman's unexpected will throws several lives into disarray. The story centers on the executor, Mr. Brown, who must locate a long-lost daughter while navigating the hopes and schemes of those left behind. It endures as a nuanced portrayal of human nature amidst sudden change.

The Story

The novel opens with the reading of Mrs. Thomson's will, which shocks her gathered relatives by leaving her estate not to her presumed heir, Mrs. Christian, but to a long-estranged daughter, Phoebe Thomson. The will stipulates that if Phoebe cannot be found within three years, the estate will go to the executor, Mr. Brown. This revelation devastates Mrs. Christian, who had counted on the inheritance, while Nancy, Mrs. Thomson's loyal servant, sees an opportunity to claim valuables and remain in the house.

Mr. Brown, a pragmatic attorney, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into a role requiring both legal acumen and emotional intelligence. As he begins the search for Phoebe, he becomes entangled in the lives of the Christians, particularly their daughter Bessie, a young governess whose prospects have dimmed with the loss of the expected inheritance. Bessie's resilience and kindness contrast sharply with Nancy's self-serving maneuvers.

The narrative follows Mr. Brown's growing moral dilemma as he grapples with his duty to find Phoebe versus his sympathy for Bessie's plight. His interactions with the town's residents reveal their varied reactions to the will, from gossip and speculation to personal reflections on justice and fate. Meanwhile, Bessie struggles to support her ailing father and paralyzed mother, her situation becoming increasingly dire as she seeks employment in London.

The turning point comes when Mr. Brown encounters Bessie in London, where she is desperately seeking work. Struck by her dignity and hardship, he offers her marriage, a proposal born of respect and a desire to alleviate her suffering. Though initially shocked, Bessie accepts, recognizing the security it offers her family.

The novel concludes with Mr. Brown and Bessie's marriage, which transforms their lives and the town's perception of them. Mr. Brown's once lonely, austere existence is enriched by Bessie's presence, while she gains stability and a new role in society. Phoebe Thomson remains missing, her shadow lingering over their happiness but never materializing to disrupt it.

How It Unfolds

The will is read: The novel begins with the dramatic reading of Mrs. Thomson's will, which shocks everyone present and sets the plot in motion. Mr. Brown takes charge: As executor, Mr. Brown begins investigating Phoebe Thomson's whereabouts, navigating the complexities of the estate and the town's gossip. Bessie's struggles intensify: Bessie's attempts to find work as a governess fail, forcing her to consider leaving Carlingford for London, where she hopes for better opportunities. Nancy asserts her claims: Believing herself entitled to Mrs. Thomson's belongings, Nancy clashes with Mr. Brown, who must assert his authority as executor. Mr. Brown meets Bessie in London: A chance encounter in London leads Mr. Brown to offer Bessie marriage, a decision driven by his growing respect for her character. The proposal is accepted: Despite her initial hesitation, Bessie accepts Mr. Brown's proposal, recognizing it as a means to secure her family's future. Life changes for all: The marriage brings significant changes, improving Bessie's circumstances and softening Mr. Brown's previously austere life, while the town adjusts to the new couple.

The People

Mr. Brown: The executor of Mrs. Thomson's will, Mr. Brown is a pragmatic attorney who finds himself unexpectedly moved by Bessie's plight. Initially focused on his duty, he grows to admire her resilience and kindness, ultimately proposing marriage to provide her with security. Bessie Christian: A young governess whose prospects are shattered by the will, Bessie embodies resilience and selflessness. She struggles to support her family but maintains her dignity, eventually accepting Mr. Brown's proposal as a means to secure their future. Mrs. Christian: Bessie's mother, who had counted on the inheritance to improve her family's situation. She is devastated by the will and becomes increasingly desperate, her hopes dashed. Nancy: Mrs. Thomson's servant, who sees the will as an opportunity to claim valuables and remain in the house. She is self-serving and manipulative, clashing with Mr. Brown over her perceived entitlements. Phoebe Thomson: The long-lost daughter and intended heir, Phoebe remains a mysterious figure throughout the novel. Her absence drives the plot, as her existence or nonexistence will determine the fate of the estate.

In Its Own Voice

It was the most extraordinary of speeches, considering the circumstances and place in which it was spoken. A parlour of very grim and homely aspect, furnished with dark mahogany and black haircloth, the blinds of the two windows solemnly drawn down, the shutters of one half-closed; two traditional decanters of wine standing reflected in the shining uncovered table; half-a-dozen people all in mourning, in various attitudes of surprise, disappointment, and displeasure; and close by one of the windows Mr Brown, the attorney, holding up to the light that extraordinary scrap of paper, which had fallen upon them all like a thunderbolt.

This passage sets the scene for the dramatic reading of the will, capturing the tension and surprise of the moment.

“Have you any grudge at me?” said Mr Brown. Bessie looked up open-eyed and wondering. “Grudge? at you? How could I? I daresay,” said Bessie, with a sigh and a smile, “mamma had, a year ago; but not me. The times I have spoken to you, Mr Brown, you have always been kind to me.”

Here, Bessie's character is revealed through her gracious response to Mr. Brown's question, showcasing her lack of bitterness despite her circumstances.

What It's Really About

At its core, The Executor explores themes of duty, morality, and the impact of sudden change on individuals and communities. The novel questions the nature of justice, as seen through the unexpected will and its consequences, and examines how people respond to disappointment and opportunity. It also delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly the bonds formed through shared struggles and unexpected kindness. The search for Phoebe Thomson serves as a metaphor for the elusive nature of truth and the ways in which the past can shape the present. Ultimately, the novel suggests that while fate may deal unexpected blows, human connection and compassion can offer redemption and transformation.

Why Read It Today

The Executor offers a richly detailed portrait of 19th-century English life, with its social hierarchies, moral complexities, and the intimate struggles of ordinary people. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives will appreciate the nuanced development of Mr. Brown and Bessie, whose relationship evolves from duty to genuine affection. The novel's exploration of themes like justice, duty, and resilience remains relevant, providing insights into human nature amidst adversity. While the pacing may feel slower than modern fiction, the rewards lie in Oliphant's keen observations and her ability to find warmth and humor in even the most dire circumstances. The book's portrayal of a small town's reaction to upheaval feels timeless, making it a satisfying read for those who savor historical depth and emotional nuance.