The Fool Errant

"The Fool Errant" by Maurice Hewlett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Francis-Antony Strelley, a young Englishman who embarks on a transformative journey in Italy, seeking to study civil law while navigating relationships that challenge his moral compass. The book presents a rich tapestry of love, honor, and the consequences of youthful passion as Strelley's experiences unveil personal and societal conflicts. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Francis Strelley upon his arrival in Padua, where he meets his tutor, Dr. Porfirio Lanfranchi, and is welcomed into the doctor's household, including his beautiful wife Aurelia. As Strelley settles into his new life, he becomes enamored with Aurelia, their interactions revealing a complex dynamic of mentorship and unspoken desire. The opening chapters set the stage for Strelley's internal struggle between his burgeoning love for Aurelia and the societal expectations that bind him, foreshadowing the turmoil that will ensue as he grapples with both personal ambition and romantic infatuation.

The Fool Errant, by Maurice Hewlett. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #5755.