'Half Brothers' by Hesba Stretton is a novel that begins by telling the story of a woman waiting for her husband's return as she prepares to give birth to their child in a strange place. She regrets leaving her family without considering the pain it would cause them and wishes for her aunt's presence if Sidney does not come back. The room she is in is large, dark, and cannot be locked, adding to her unease. The couple got married secretly and fled England under different names due to the fear of disapproval from Sidney's wealthy uncle.