
A breezy summer evening unfolds on a sun‑kissed meadow, where music swells and couples whirl in carefree waltzes. The atmosphere crackles with youthful laughter, the scent of fresh chicken and sherry, and the promise of renewal that seems to lift everyone’s spirits, even the weary dowagers perched like ancient gods on a nearby hill.
Amid the revelry, tangled emotions surface. Rose and Juliana exchange sharp words and uneasy apologies, their friendship strained by jealousy and hidden desires tied to the charismatic Evan. As the day fades, their conflicted hearts hint at deeper loyalties and betrayals, setting the stage for the young hero’s struggle to reclaim his confidence and place in a world where love, ambition, and social expectations collide.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (122K 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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