
In a windswept coastal manor overlooking the cliffs of Carmarthenshire, a fraught conversation unfolds between a stern, elderly uncle and his spirited niece, Isabel. Their dialogue circles around conscience, duty, and a looming marriage to a cousin whose name carries the weight of family inheritance. As the estate’s future hangs in the balance, Isabel wrestles with the idea of surrendering her autonomy for the sake of lineage.
The story captures the tension between personal desire and the expectations of a rigid social order, set against the backdrop of a fading aristocratic world. With sharp wit and lingering melancholy, the characters expose the painful choices that bind them, inviting listeners to ponder how far one will go to honor family, even when love feels distant. This early‑act drama sets the stage for a poignant exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the stubborn pull of the heart.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (373K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-01-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1815–1882
Best known for the Barsetshire and Palliser novels, this prolific Victorian writer turned the routines of politics, clergy, and everyday social life into rich, deeply human fiction. His books are loved for their wit, psychological insight, and steady, companionable storytelling.
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