
A lively, tongue‑in‑cheek portrait opens the story, set against the backdrop of a sprawling estate where a battle‑scarred Major’s cherry trees are being tended by the earnest Sergeant Zebedee Tring. The Sergeant’s clumsy devotion and Mrs. Agatha’s sharp, dimpled wit spark a series of witty exchanges that reveal both the lingering shadows of war and the yearning for a quieter, more domestic life. Their banter, peppered with colloquial flourishes and earnest admiration, paints a picture of two world‑weary souls craving a sense of belonging.
As the conversation turns toward the promise of a home—filled with furniture, art, and the simple comfort of shared space—the seeds of a tender romance begin to sprout. Yet the path to that haven is strewn with the lingering duties of military honor, the expectations of society, and the characters’ own doubts. Listeners will be drawn into a charming clash of duty and desire, wondering whether love can truly heal the scars of the past.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (575K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2010-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1878–1952
Best known for swashbuckling historical romances like The Broad Highway, he helped shape early 20th-century adventure fiction with stories full of wit, danger, and old-world charm.
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