
In the bustling costume department of a prestigious London drapery house, a quiet intrigue unfolds among the racks of elegant gowns. Mr. Warner, the considerate buyer, watches the graceful shop‑assistant Marion Rolfe, whose beauty and reserved nature spark whispered speculation among the staff. A secret lover, a mysterious benefactor who orders extravagant dresses for her under an alias, adds a layer of curiosity that keeps the department’s gossip alive.
When Marion’s brother—a young, well‑dressed man on the brink of an unexpected departure to Serbia—appears, the delicate balance of their modest world tilts. Their brief, tense exchange hints at familial ties, hidden responsibilities, and a looming decision that could pull Marion away from the familiar streets of Oxford Street. Listeners are invited into a vivid portrait of Edwardian society, where fashion, propriety, and whispered romances intertwine, setting the stage for a story of love, duty, and the quiet mysteries that linger behind shop windows.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (610K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2012-09-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1864–1927
A hugely popular early master of spy fiction, he turned fears of invasion and international intrigue into fast-moving stories that gripped readers before the First World War. His books helped shape the mood of his age, mixing journalism, suspense, and a flair for dramatic danger.
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