Plot Summary
Four women from different walks of life, seeking solace and escape, rent a charming mediaeval castle in Italy for the month of April. Their individual desires and personalities clash and intertwine as they discover unexpected friendships, hidden longings, and a renewed sense of life's possibilities in the idyllic setting.
Story
The story begins with two women, Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot, both longing for a change from their monotonous lives in Hampstead, London. They stumble upon an advertisement for a small mediaeval Italian castle on the shores of the Mediterranean. Despite their limited funds, they decide to share the rent and even advertise for two more ladies to join them. They find a Lady Caroline Dester and a Mrs. Fisher, both seeking their own forms of escape. Their journey to San Salvatore, the name of the castle, is fraught with comical mishaps. Once they arrive, they discover that San Salvatore is indeed a haven of peace and beauty. They all find themselves caught in a web of changing relationships as they navigate their new surroundings, long-forgotten desires, and unexpected encounters. The arrival of Mrs. Wilkins's husband, Mr. Wilkins, and the owner of the castle, Mr. Briggs, further complicates their lives and stirs up longings and unexpected affections. The story explores themes of self-discovery, the power of love, and the transformative nature of beauty.
Story Details
Setting
The story takes place primarily at San Salvatore, a mediaeval castle on the shores of the Mediterranean in Italy, during the month of April. The setting shifts briefly to London, where the characters originally reside.
Themes
Self-discovery, love, beauty, transformation, escape, social class, marriage, loneliness, companionship.
Key Quotes
- "It began in a Woman’s Club in London on a February afternoon—an uncomfortable club, and a miserable afternoon—when Mrs. Wilkins, who had come down from Hampstead to shop and had lunched at her club, took up _The Times_ from the table in the smoking-room, and running her listless eye down the Agony Column saw this:"
- "There’s no harm in simply _asking_,” she said in a low voice, as if the vicar and the Savings Bank and all her waiting and dependent poor were listening and condemning."
- "We _are_ in God’s hands,” said Mrs. Wilkins, turning to her, speaking with extreme conviction."
- "The garden on the top of the wall was a delicious garden, but its situation made it insecure and exposed to interruptions."
- "It’s a great pity,” said Mrs. Arbuthnot, smiling back, “because we were going to choose the nicest room for you.”"
- "But one shouldn’t be so independent,” said Mrs. Wilkins, “as to leave no opportunity for other people to exercise their benevolences on one.”"
- "“She is not my mother,” repudiated Lady Caroline angrily; and her anger sounded like the regretful wail of a melodious orphan."
- "“I’ve had the most wonderful day,” began Mrs. Wilkins, her eyes shining."
- "“I am sure I don’t know,” she interrupted, looking severely at Mrs. Wilkins, “why you should assume Lady Caroline is not telling the truth.”"
- "“I see inside her.”"
- "The only sound was a dog barking, far away somewhere up on the hills, or when the door of the little restaurant in the piazza below was opened and there was a burst of voices, silenced again immediately by the swinging to of the door."
- "“Oh, I say—I beg your pardon”—and then stood hesitating, and wondering whether he oughtn’t to go back to his bedroom again."
- "But—didn’t my mother tell you I was doing a rest-cure?”"
- "“The Roses,” she said, straightening herself, “have gone into the lower garden—I _think_ lovemaking.”"
- "“I’m sorry, Mellersh,” said Mrs. Wilkins, pretending meekness, “if you don’t like it.”"
- "I owe you so _much_,” she said, overcome by the sudden realisation of all she did owe him, and ashamed of her churlishness in the afternoon and at dinner."
Main Characters
Mrs. Wilkins (Lotty)
A shy and unassuming woman from Hampstead who longs for a change from her mundane life.
Mrs. Arbuthnot (Rose)
A devout and charitable woman from Hampstead, known for her calm and patient demeanor.
Lady Caroline Dester (Scrap)
A beautiful and introspective young woman who seeks escape from her social obligations.
Mrs. Fisher
An elderly widow from London who is fond of reminiscing about the past and seeking solitude.
Mr. Wilkins (Mellersh)
Mrs. Wilkins's husband, a successful and respectable solicitor who values order and thrift.
Overall Message
The Enchanted April explores the restorative power of beauty and nature, suggesting that even the most hardened and jaded souls can find renewal and rediscover the joys of life in the right setting. The story emphasizes the importance of human connection, suggesting that true happiness often lies in forging unexpected bonds and embracing the complexities of relationships, even those that challenge our expectations.