In the first volume, readers are introduced to the main characters and their social milieu. The protagonist, typically a young woman from a respectable family, encounters her first romantic interest. The narrative explores her feelings and the initial stages of courtship. The story is set against the backdrop of the societal expectations and constraints that govern relationships and marriage during the period.The themes of the novel often include the tension between romantic ideals and societal pressures, the influence of family and social status on personal choices, and the growth and development of the protagonist as she navigates her feelings and the challenges of her first love.