The Spoils of Poynton

When Fleda Vetch, young and unattached, is befriended by the well-off Mrs. Gareth, she feels appreciated by the older woman in a way she hasn't before. Their friendship develops and Fleda comes to understand Mrs. Gareth's deep love of the magnificent belongings-art, textiles, furniture-that she and her now-deceased husband lovingly collected at their home at Poynton over the course of their marriage and travels.
Mrs. Gareth doesn't want it all to go to the uncultured young woman her son Owen intends to marry; she believes Fleda will make a better daughter-in-law, one who will be deserving of her beloved treasures. Her schemes force Fleda to honestly consider her own desires, but they also threaten to bring heartache to everyone involved.

Henry James (1843 - 1916) was an American-born British writer. He is regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. He was the son of Henry James, Sr. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James. He is best known for a number of novels showing Americans encountering Europe and Europeans. His method of writing from a character's point of view allowed him to explore issues related to consciousness and perception and his style in later works has been compared to impressionist painting. His imaginative use of point of view, interior monologue and unreliable narrators brought a new depth to narrative fiction.