The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance

In the gentle glow of post‑medieval England, a young squire named Richard Calmady steps out of the shadow of ancient turmoil into a world eager for new stories. The opening chapters introduce his family estate, a curious lineage, and colourful characters—clowns, physicians of body and soul, and a mischievous mouse—who populate his early days. Through episodic sketches we watch Richard grapple with modest ambitions and the first stirrings of romance, as a shy dancer and a crystal‑ball‑dropping queen tempt his imagination. The tone is witty yet earnest, setting the stage for a life as much about inner growth as outward adventure.

The narrative weaves together love, rivalry, and a restless quest for purpose, with figures like Julius March and the determined Katherine offering both counsel and challenge. As Richard ventures beyond his familiar fields—encountering seafarers, a daring rake, and whispered prophecies—he confronts questions of duty, faith, and the price of ambition. Listeners are invited to follow his early triumphs and trials, feeling the pulse of a romance that promises both heartache and hope.