When their father died, he left a wealth of respect and affection behind him, but very little money. So the enchanting sisters left Cornwall to look for work in London. Exquisite golden-haired Anne dreamed of marrying a distinguished Duke ... Marigold--whose red-gold curls danced about her pretty face--longed for a life of wealth and glamour ... generous Sally, with her misty loveliness, dreamed of marrying a man she loved. Would each find their heart's desire, or would misunderstandings keep them from love?
Severity reflects intensity, not value — “central theme” means a warning is a core part of the book, not that the book is bad.