Daughter of Fortune

Daughter of Fortune Summary | Eliza Summary

Eliza Sommers was left on the doorstep at the home of Jeremy and Rose Sommers, a brother and sister from England who now live in Valparaiso, Chile. They are both in their 20s. Jeremy is an importer, and Rose has a bit of a past in England and never married. She wanted Eliza as soon as she saw her and took her in as her own. Rose said that Eliza must be of English blood because of her red skin and fuzzy blonde hair.

Since that time, Eliza has grown to have caramel-colored skin and lustrous black hair. Mama Fresia, who works for the Sommers, tells the child that she has Indian hair, like hers. Her parentage is never openly discussed and Eliza is raised to be a proper English young lady. When Miss Rose iss preoccupied or bored with being a parent, Eliza spends her time with Mama Fresia in the kitchen, where she learns many culinary skills.

The Sommers have a brother named John, who is a sea captain and pays for Rose's aesthetic needs, while Jeremy maintains the household where she assumes the role of hostess. It seems to be a very workable situation, since single men are perceived to be less industrious and forthright.