
In the glittering world of late‑Victorian high society, an aging earl hobbles through his grand Portland Place mansion, clutching a cigar and a trembling leg while rehearsing the delicate choreography of an upcoming wedding. His loyal son Tom and the impeccably dressed Viscount Diphoos pepper the scene with witty banter, their conversations a tangled mix of old‑world propriety, nervous anticipation, and absurd references to organ music and linseed‑meal poultices. The dialogue crackles with the charm of a stage comedy, revealing a family caught between the weight of tradition and the frailty of its elders.
As the wedding of the formidable Lady Maude looms, the earl’s anxieties swell—concerned about her health, her future in distant India, and the inevitable clash of personalities that a marriage of convenience brings. Amid the polished corridors and whispered schemes, the story promises a lively portrait of aristocratic life, where affection, folly, and a touch of madness intertwine, inviting listeners to watch the delicate dance of duty and desire unfold.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (356K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2010-10-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1831–1909
Best known for lively adventure stories and school tales, this Victorian writer also worked as a journalist, editor, and teacher. His books were especially popular with younger readers, blending brisk action with a strong sense of place and character.
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