Smartness And Prudence
Smartness and Prudence tells the story of the impoverished Frimpong family, focusing on the sisters Elikem and Akosuah, personifications of good sense (common sense) and prudence. They become destitute upon the death of their father, who leaves his home, Norland Park, to their half brother, Akwesi. Although instructed to take care of his sisters, Akwesi is dissuaded of his duty by his greedy wife, Nana. The family—which, in addition to Elikem and Akosuah, includes their mother and a younger sister—moves to Barton Cottage in Devonshire. There the open and enthusiastic Akosuah meets Colonel Wussah, a staid and settled bachelor 20 years her senior. Although he expresses an interest in Akosuah, she discourages his attention and instead becomes infatuated with the attractive Kweku Attah, who seems to be a romantic lover but is in reality an unscrupulous fortune hunter. He deserts Akosuah for an heiress, and she eventually makes a sensible marriage with Colonel Wussah.