The Siege of the Seven Suitors

A witty, turn‑of‑the‑century tale unfolds through a series of lively letters and club conversations, where a modest chimney‑doctor becomes an unexpected chronicler of his world. When he writes to a high‑ranking official, he slips in a curious narrative about his old friend Hartley Wiggins—a lawyer‑turned‑rancher—who arrives at their favorite haunt looking unusually troubled. Their banter about a fanciful tea‑room called the Asolando quickly spirals into a puzzling anecdote that hints at deeper intrigues beneath the genteel façade of New York society.

The story balances sharp humor with a gentle mystery, inviting listeners to follow the characters as they navigate social expectations, eccentric pursuits, and the subtle pressures of a looming “siege” that threatens to upend their comfortable routines. As friendships are tested and secrets hinted at, the narrative captures the charm of early‑1900s urban life while promising a compelling twist that remains just out of reach.