
In the sleepy seaside town of Lymport-on-the-Sea, the sudden death of the beloved tailor Melchisedec Harrington sends ripples through the close‑knit community. The locals—pub landlord Kilne, butcher Barnes, confectioner Grossby—gather to swap gossip, speculate on debts, and wonder what will become of the shop that has been both a social hub and a source of quiet pride. Their banter, laced with humor and a hint of rivalry, paints a vivid portrait of a world where personal reputation and commerce are inseparably linked.
Against this backdrop, the story follows the Harrington family as they grapple with the loss and the looming question of succession. The widow’s resolve, the ambitions of a young relative returning from abroad, and the town’s own scheming interests intertwine, promising a tale of loyalty, ambition, and the delicate balance between honour and survival. Listeners will be drawn into the charm of a bygone era and the human drama that unfolds when a community’s heart stops beating.
Language
en
Duration
~16 hours (964K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-11-03
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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