
A sun‑drenched summer garden in 1822 sets the scene, with its winding gravel drive, blooming periwinkles, and a modest two‑storey house painted in shades of green. Inside, the Carbonel cousins—Edmund, a recently retired officer, and his three sisters Mary, Dorothea, and young Sophy—converge after years apart, each bringing their own hopes and quirks to the newly inherited Greenhow Farm. Their lively banter with a sharp‑tongued lawyer and the bustling household staff hints at a family eager to restore order to a home strewn with boxes, half‑finished furniture, and freshly papered rooms.
Amid the clatter of hammers and the scent of fresh paint, the siblings grapple with the practicalities of rebuilding a life together while navigating lingering resentments and lingering romances. As they unpack their pasts and plan for the future, the story gently unfolds the charms and challenges of early‑19th‑century country living, promising humor, heartfelt moments, and the occasional clash of personalities.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (307K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-04-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1823–1901
A major Victorian novelist, she wrote with deep religious conviction and a sharp eye for family life, education, and moral choice. Her stories were hugely popular in 19th-century England and helped shape generations of young readers.
View all books