
In the tranquil world of Maplestone Court, a spacious red‑brick home set beside a shimmering lake, fifteen‑year‑old Salome finds refuge on a weathered wooden seat. With a straw hat at her feet and a beloved, dog‑eared book in her hand, she watches the water lilies drift while the summer heat settles over the garden. Her striking, tawny hair and quiet demeanor set her apart, and the gentle rhythm of her days is punctuated only by the occasional bustle of her siblings and the distant clatter of a carriage.
When the sound of wheels on the drive breaks her reverie, Salome’s routine is interrupted by a hurried brother and the unexpected arrival of a visitor. The ordinary peace of her surroundings begins to shift, hinting at family dynamics and secrets that will soon surface. Listeners are invited to follow Salome’s thoughtful observations as the calm of her summer world gives way to the subtle stirrings of change.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (293K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-08-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1830–1899
A hugely popular Victorian writer in her day, she produced more than 200 stories, many of them for young readers and often built around history, faith, and memorable places. Her books were known for turning the past into lively, approachable fiction.
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