
PROLOGUE.
CHAPTER I. Childish Things.
CHAPTER II. Alice.
CHAPTER III. Two Kings in Brentford.
CHAPTER IV. Friends in Need.
CHAPTER V. Water-lilies.
CHAPTER VI. Esdaile Court.
CHAPTER VII. Isabel Carnaby.
CHAPTER VIII. Elton Manor.
CHAPTER IX. Indecision.
A sparkling evening in Grosvenor Square launches this witty portrait of turn‑of‑the‑century London society. At a dinner hosted by the newly ennobled Lord Kesterton, sharp‑tongued ladies and sardonic gentlemen spar over politics, art, and the invisible rules that bind them. Their banter crackles with irony, exposing the pretensions of the elite while hinting at deeper currents beneath the glittering surface.
Into this cauldron of conversation steps Isabel Carnaby, a young woman whose reputation for “shallow” charm masks a keen eye for truth. As the guests trade barbs and confessions, Isabel begins to navigate the tangled expectations of family, friendship, and ambition. Listeners will find a clever mix of social commentary and gentle satire, inviting reflection on the roles women play in a world that prizes appearance over substance. The early chapters set the stage for a thoughtful, humor‑laden journey through love, loyalty, and the quiet strength of an unexpected heroine.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (559K characters)
Release date
Sep 6, 2024
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1860–1929
A bestselling English novelist of the late Victorian and Edwardian years, she wrote popular romances shaped by sharp wit, moral conviction, and a strong Methodist faith. Her work also ranged into poetry and children's books, giving her a broad place in turn-of-the-century literary life.
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