
audiobook
In the shadow of the rugged Scottish Highlands, a grand yet melancholic manor stands on the banks of the winding Nith. Within its stone walls, young Claude Alwyn—already marked by an uncanny depth of spirit—grows under the watchful eyes of his devoted nurse, Janet, and the spirited Lady of the Towers, his mother. Their world is a tapestry of lively village celebrations, bonfires that blaze across the hills, and the ever‑present whisper of ancient folklore that colors every conversation.
The narrative captures the delicate balance between duty and desire, as the Alwyn family navigates the clash of cultures between a genteel English bride and the wild, untamed Highlands. Through vivid descriptions of winter‑white lawns, birch‑clad glens, and the bustling village dances, the story hints at the budding responsibilities that will soon draw Claude into a path of love and unexpected heroism—without yet revealing the challenges that lie ahead.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (261K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2011-08-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1840–1910
A naval surgeon turned prolific adventure writer, he poured his love of travel, animals, and the outdoors into lively books for young readers. He is also remembered for commissioning an early leisure caravan, reflecting the restless, practical spirit that ran through both his life and his fiction.
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