L. Frank Baum 
Aunt Jane’S Nieces Abroad 

L. Frank Baum wrote a young adult book titled Aunt Jane’s Nieces in 1906, which was published by Reilly & Britton under the pseudonym ‘Edith Van Dyne.’ An affluent, old, troublesome invalid named Jane Merrick is getting ready to pass away. To decide who would inherit her fortune, she invites her three adolescent nieces to come to see her. Beth is direct and harsh, Patsy is frank and talented, and Louise is kind but cunning. Aunt Jane decides to prepare a will giving most of the estate to Patsy as her health continues to decline. Jane should hand it off to Kenneth, Patsy resists, and she is adamant.

Thomas left Jane his inheritance in a quick will, providing that she might enjoy it while she lived, and then it would pass to his sister and her offspring. No one has received a monetary bequest; Kenneth is the only owner of the money. Days later, when Uncle John is performing business at the bank, he runs into him and finds out the truth. John notes that they all believed he was impoverished at home and that he just did not contradict them. He offers to leave both of the other girls’ families considerable sums of money, which may subsequently be passed on to the nieces.