"The Story of Valentine and His Brother" by Mrs. Oliphant delves into family secrets, sacrifices, and the consequences of past actions. The narrative follows the intertwined lives of characters like Val, Lady Eskside, and Richard, exploring themes of motherhood, relationships, and hidden identities. As the story unfolds with mysteries, adventures, and emotional turmoil, the complexities of familial bonds and individual desires come to the forefront, shaping the characters' destinies.