Lavender and Old Lace .

Lavender and Old Lace is an Edwardian romance novel written by Myrtle Reed and published in September 1902. It tells the story of some remarkable women, each of whom has a unique experience with love. The book follows in Reed's long history of inciting laughter and tears in her readers through provocative prose. She was often witty in dialogue and dispensing in advice, while gingerly skirting any moral issues.PlotMiss Jane Hathaway is an astute pillar of a quaint coastal community, where her house sets atop a hill. She has long overcome the scandal created by her elder sister's elopement, though the sister died without her forgiveness. She's also aware of a child, although she's never met her niece. When she receives a letter from Ruth Thorne, her 34-year-old niece, suggesting an invitation to visit, she accepts, but leaves before Ruth arrives.At Miss Hathaway's house, Ruth is given a mysterious letter. The letter, from Aunt Jane, does not explain her sudden trip abroad, but instructs Ruth to light an oil lamp in the attic each night.