
A bright July morning finds a newlywed couple basking in the seaside’s lively charm, their breakfast table framed by roses and the rolling Solent. Their banter is light, their affection obvious, as they prepare for a day of sailing and social mingling. The scene captures the exhilaration of youthful love set against the glittering world of yachts, parties, and the expectations of a genteel society.
Beyond the romance, the narrative hints at the subtle pressures that swirl around the pair—family obligations, the watchful eyes of influential friends, and the delicate balance between personal desire and social duty. As they navigate flirtations, introductions to aristocratic acquaintances, and the promise of adventure on the water, the story unfolds into a portrait of a generation striving to reconcile idealistic passions with the practicalities of their privileged world. Listeners will be drawn into the lively dialogue and the undercurrents of ambition that shape the couple’s early journey together.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (177K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1909
A major Victorian novelist and poet, he is best remembered for sharp, psychologically rich fiction and for turning comedy into a serious way of looking at human behavior. His work rewards listeners who enjoy wit, moral complexity, and characters who rarely fit simple categories.
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