The Shocking Miss Pilgrim

Cynthia graduates as the top typist in the first graduating class of Packard Business College in New York City. She is offered a position as a typist with Pritchard Shipping Company in Boston, marking the start of her professional career. The opportunity signals the beginning of a clash between gender expectations and workplace merit.

Cynthia introduces herself to John Pritchard, hoping to prove her efficiency. John coldly states his policy of hiring only men. He refuses a trial and offers to pay her train fare back to New York.

John's Aunt Alice, who controls a large stake in the company, pushes for Cynthia to be given a chance. She leverages her influence to ensure Cynthia is considered for the role. The move underscores the era's struggle for women's opportunities.

Cynthia finds lodgings at Catherine Dennison's boarding house, where she meets a lively group of tenants. Among them are Leander Woolsey, Michael Michael, and Herbert Jothan, who provide companionship and perspective. This new social circle helps sustain her as she begins her professional journey.

John invites Cynthia to dine with him, but she declines to socialize with him at first. He nonetheless escorts her to a suffragist rally, where she earns the respect of the other attendees. The rally scene foreshadows the tension between her political ideals and corporate expectations.

At the Regimental Ball, Cynthia worries about fitting into the Pritchard family’s social world. The plan to coach her on how to appear snobbish is dropped when Mrs. Pritchard proves to be down-to-earth and supportive. The evening reveals a warmth that strengthens the bond between Cynthia and the family.

Cynthia and John begin dating and grow closer over time. Their relationship leads to an engagement, signaling a union of personal affection and professional ambition. The engagement tests how they will balance love with social and political commitments.

John pressures Cynthia to give up her suffrage activities for their future together. She refuses to abandon her advocacy, insisting that equality at work and in society matters. The growing tension foreshadows an eventual rift.

Cynthia and John break their engagement, and she is fired from Pritchard Shipping. The company recruits new typists, but Saxon’s hires fail to satisfy Mr. Pritchard. The firing marks a turning point in Cynthia’s professional and personal journey.

Mr. Saxon and John go to a local school to find another candidate for the position. In a twist, John discovers that the school's general manager is Cynthia. The revelation transforms the situation as they are suddenly reunited in business.

Cynthia, now revealed as the school's general manager, reunites with John both personally and professionally. They join forces to run the business and pursue a future together. The story closes with a renewed partnership and a sense of equality in the workplace.