"Lady Rosamond's Secret: A Romance of Fredericton" by Rebecca Agatha Armour intricately weaves a tale of romance and mystery set against the backdrop of Victorian Fredericton. At its core, the novel is a captivating blend of intrigue and drama, as the protagonist, Lady Rosamond, grapples with family secrets and societal scandal. Amidst the lush setting of Fredericton, hidden pasts and betrayals come to light, unraveling the intricate web of relationships that define the characters' lives. As Lady Rosamond delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her family, she discovers a love that transcends societal expectations and scandal. Against a backdrop of Victorian society, Armour skillfully navigates the complexities of love and redemption, painting a vivid portrait of a woman's journey to uncover the truth and reclaim her place in society. As secrets are revealed and scandals unfold, readers are drawn into a world of passion and intrigue, where love and betrayal intertwine in unexpected ways. "Lady Rosamond's Secret" is a compelling exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and forgiveness, offering readers a glimpse into the transformative power of redemption amidst the dramas of Victorian society.
Rebecca Agatha Armour, a Canadian teacher and novelist, was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Her novel is considered to present a "rich depiction of New Brunswick social life during the 19th century." The objective was to safeguard "every right and institution which makes our beloved New Brunswick the pride of its loyal people." Armour was the eldest of four daughters born to grocer Joseph Armour (1798–1876) and his wife Margaret Hazlett (died 1891). Her father was from Coleraine, Ulster, and both of her parents were Irish immigrants. She had a Presbyterian background. She graduated from the local Provincial Teachers' College, a normal school, and received her teaching license on November 30, 1863. Armour taught in Fredericton for many years before relocating to Lancaster (now part of Saint John), most likely in May 1873, when her teaching permit was transferred there. She appears to have returned to Fredericton in 1878, when she married a carriage builder, John G. Thompson, on January 22, 1885. Thompson was likewise the child of Irish Presbyterians. They had no children. According to an unattributed comment in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Armour was hailed as "one of the best lady teachers in the service of New Brunswick."
