"Mount Royal: A Novel. Volume 3 of 3" by M. E. Braddon is a Victorian-era work of fiction, likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Christabel and her family as they grapple with the aftermath of a tragic and mysterious death—Angus Hamleigh, a guest at their estate. The narrative delves into themes of love, jealousy, and the consequences of past relationships, featuring complex emotions and moral dilemmas among the characters. The opening portion introduces a damp, grey morning and a sense of impending doom as the household learns that Angus Hamleigh has gone shooting but failed to return. Tension builds as Christabel experiences a growing sense of dread, leading her to inquire about Hamleigh's whereabouts and ultimately to fear that an accident may have occurred. The domestic scene is set, revealing the characters' expectations, anxieties, and the intricate dynamics of their relationships. As Christabel interacts with her husband, Leonard, the atmosphere thickens with unresolved tension and unspoken suspicions, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of secrets and guilt that will unfold throughout the narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)