
A stately manor set against sun‑lit lawns and a shimmering lake opens the tale, where the rhythm of daily life—moving trunks, bustling servants, and the distant clatter of hooves—creates a vivid portrait of an English estate on the brink of change. Sir James Torridon, a dignified patriarch, watches the arrival of a gleaming coach, his expression hinting at a weighty decision that will ripple through the household and beyond. The scene is alive with the subtle tension of anticipation, as each character—sons, servants, and even the faithful courtyard dog—waits for the moment that will set the story in motion.
Beyond the polished stone corridors, the narrative promises a blend of personal duty and larger political currents, drawing listeners into a world where honor, loyalty, and the pull of destiny intersect. As the first act unfolds, listeners will be drawn into the intricate web of family ties, hidden motives, and the looming influence of a king’s will, all rendered in richly described surroundings that make the era feel immediate and compelling.
Language
en
Duration
~13 hours (782K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-07-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1871–1914
An Anglican priest’s son who became a Roman Catholic convert, he turned questions of faith, doubt, and modern life into vivid novels and religious writing. Best known today for the dystopian novel Lord of the World, he wrote with unusual urgency for a life cut short at just 43.
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