The Old Maid (The 'fifties)

The Old Maid is an examination of class and society in 1850's New York City. The story follows the life of Tina, a young woman caught between the mother who adopted her-- the beautiful, upstanding Delia--and her true mother, her plain, unmarried "aunt" Charlotte, who gave Tina up to provide her with a socially acceptable life. The three women live quietly together until Tina's wedding day, when Delia's and Charlotte's hidden jealousies rush to the surface.