The Warden

In a sleepy West‑English cathedral town, the precentor of the great church finds himself thrust into an unexpected role as warden of a centuries‑old almshouse. The modest charity, founded by a prosperous wool‑merchant, now shelters a handful of aging workers, their lives tied to the dwindling fortunes of the town’s once‑thriving wool trade. As the new warden, the reverend must balance his musical duties with the practicalities of managing the residents, the estate’s lands, and the expectations of the bishop and local dignitaries.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of family ties and ecclesiastical politics: a widowed father, his spirited daughter recently married to the bishop’s son, and the subtle rivalries that swirl within the close. With humor and keen observation, the narrative explores how tradition, charity, and personal ambition intersect, offering a gentle yet incisive portrait of community life in a world where old customs meet the pressures of change.