Phyllis

In a bustling household where the clatter of servants and the hum of conversation fill every hallway, Phyllis—a bright‑hearted, slightly mischievous young woman—navigates the expectations of her family with a blend of curiosity and boldness. When the enigmatic landlord, Mr. Carrington, is rumored to be arriving, her sister Dora and their mother scramble to manage the impending encounter, while Phyllis’s brother Billy offers weary commentary on the landlord’s feared reputation.

Against a backdrop of French muslin dresses, hurried whispers, and the ever‑present threat of a landlord who “counts every rabbit,” Phyllis finds herself drawn into the mystery of the newcomer’s true nature. With witty banter, a touch of youthful impatience, and the steady rhythm of domestic life, the opening sets a lively stage where humor and anticipation mingle, inviting listeners to join Phyllis as she steps into the drawing‑room and the story’s first ripple of intrigue.