The Doomswoman
Gertrude Atherton
Historical Romance
Published 1893
Synopsis
Set in Old California during the era of political tension between Mexico and the United States, The Doomswoman follows Doña Chonita Iturbi y Moncada, a proud Californian heiress, and Don Diego Estenega, the ambitious scion of her family’s rival house. Their relationship unfolds amid political intrigue, cultural conflict, and longstanding family enmities. Political conspiracies involving Chonita’s brother Reinaldo threaten both his personal and the government’s stability. Standing on the other side is Chonita’s strong will, partially driven by her prophetic Gothic dreams, which contrast her forbidden love for a ‘rival’ and her loyalty to family.
Novel Excerpt
Chonita had been serenaded until she had fled to the mountains for sleep, but she crept to the foot of the bed and knelt there, her hand at her throat. A door opened, and, one by one, out of the black beyond, five white-robed forms flitted into the room. They looked like puffs of smoke from a burning moon. The heavy wooden shutters were open, and the room was filled with cold light.
The girls waltzed on the bare floor, grouped themselves in mock-dramatic postures, then, overcome by the strange magnetism of the singer, fell into motionless attitudes, listening intently. How well I remember that picture, although I have almost forgotten the names of the girls!
In the middle of the room two slender figures embraced each other, their black hair falling loosely over their white gowns. On the window-step knelt a tall girl, her head pensively supported by her hand, a black shawl draped gracefully about her; at her feet sat a girl with head bowed to her knees. Between the two groups was a solitary figure, kneeling with hand pressed to the wall and face uplifted.
When the voice ceased I struck a match, and five pairs of little hands applauded enthusiastically. He sang them another song, then galloped away.