
In a bustling Warwickshire rectory, the young maid Dally Watlock finds herself caught between propriety and forbidden affection. A sudden, scandal‑riddled kiss from the rector’s son leaves her trembling, while whispers of jealousy swirl among the household staff. When a hastily penned note arrives, urging a secret meeting in Red Cliff Wood, Dally’s world tilts further toward uncertainty. The tension between duty, desire, and the rigid expectations of the era crackles through every exchange.
As the Salis siblings navigate their own tangled loyalties, a shadowy figure looms, hinting at deeper secrets hidden within the countryside. Dally must decide whether to obey the stern warnings of those who control her fate or to follow the cryptic invitation that promises both danger and revelation. Listeners will be drawn into a vivid portrait of Victorian life, where every glance and whispered promise could alter the course of a fragile heart.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (671K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2010-11-08
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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