Ruth's Hometown, England, Mid-Nineenth Century

The book begins in a small, once grand and fashionable town that is now more modest. The town is full of large, elegant houses that have been split into smaller sections to house apartments, shops, and businesses.

Rural Wales, Mid-Nineenth Century

After her seduction, Mr. Bellingham/Donne brings Ruth to a small village in rural Wales. This village is picturesque and full of walking trails and natural beauty. There are at least two inns and the town attracts many visitors drawn to the beauty and peacefulness of the area.

Eccleston, England, Mid-Nineenth Century

Mr. Benson then brings Ruth back to the town of Eccleston. Eccleston is another small town. The community is tight knit, especially the members of Mr. Benson’s congregation. Ruth, Leonard, Sally, and the Bensons live in a modest, but adequate house paid for by the church. It is always clean...