Mr. Fox

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

This one is for older kids and best read in sections. It’s tense, but it ends with safety, family protection, and a strong message about trusting your instincts.

Story Synopsis

Lady Mary is admired by many, but she chooses the most dazzling suitor of all: Mr. Fox—polite, confident, and wealthy-looking. No one truly knows who he is, yet he charms the household, and the wedding is planned. Before the marriage, Lady Mary asks where they will live. Mr. Fox invites her to visit his home in the forest. She sets out with curiosity and a touch of unease. The house is grand, but strangely silent. Inside, Lady Mary explores room after room until she finds a door that feels wrong. Behind it is the truth: a gruesome chamber and proof that Mr. Fox is not the noble gentleman he pretends to be. Lady Mary must keep her fear hidden long enough to escape. She flees back to her family, carrying the evidence in her memory. At a gathering, Mr. Fox returns to act innocent, but Lady Mary tells her story like a “dream”—each detail tightening the room’s attention. When she reveals the final proof, her brothers spring to protect her. Mr. Fox is caught, and Lady Mary remains safe at home. For bedtime, many parents treat this as a suspense tale for ages 9–11, reading gently and stopping at natural pauses. The strongest theme to highlight is empowerment: if something feels unsafe, you’re allowed to leave, speak up, and ask for help.

Story Excerpt

Lady Mary was young, and Lady Mary was fair. She lived at her father’s country - house, with her two brothers close by. Many people admired her. But of them all, the one who seemed bravest and most splendid was Mr. Fox. He spoke politely. He stood straight and sure. And he looked as if he had plenty of money besides. No one really knew who Mr. Fox was. Still, Lady Mary cared for him more than for anyone else. After a while, it was agreed : they would be married. Lady Mary said, “ When we are married, where shall we live? ” Mr. Fox smiled and told her about his castle. He described it as strong and grand, with high walls. He told her where it stood. But it was strange — he did not ask Lady Mary to come and see it. And he did not ask her brothers to visit either. One day, when the wedding was close, Lady Mary’s brothers were away. And Mr. Fox was away too, “ on business, ” he had said. Lady Mary thought, I will go and see the castle. I will know my new home. So she set out on her…

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