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In a stately manor where centuries of lineage loom over every corridor, Sir Miles, the dignified baronet, presides over his ancestral rooms with a blend of tradition and personal eccentricity. He surrounds himself with Italian antiquities and family portraits, turning the grand gallery into a stage for his measured judgments and subtle lessons. When young Ardworth, a restless heir with aspirations of a military life, steps into this imposing setting, the baronet’s unexpected warmth and generous counsel set the tone for a relationship that bridges generations.
The encounter sparks Ardworth’s internal conflict between duty, ambition, and the weight of family expectations. As Sir Miles offers guidance—perhaps even a chance at a commission—old grievances and unspoken debts linger beneath the courteous exchange. Listeners are drawn into a world of polished manners, hidden motives, and the quiet drama of a house where every portrait watches, hinting at the complexities that lie ahead.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (130K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1803–1873
Best remembered today for unforgettable phrases like "the pen is mightier than the sword" and "It was a dark and stormy night," this Victorian novelist was once one of the most widely read writers in Britain. He paired literary fame with a busy political career, giving his work an unusual mix of melodrama, ambition, and public life.
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