
A proud yet uneasy brother, Barry Lynch, learns of his sister Anty’s impending marriage to the well‑meaning Martin Kelly through the relentless chatter of Jack, the village fool who clings to the Lynch household. The news arrives on a cold February afternoon, and Barry’s mind immediately spirals into dread, fearing the union will strip him of his share of the family estate and force him to share his future with an unfamiliar outsider.
Caught between familial duty and selfish ambition, Barry prowls the house, venting at servants and pacing the muddy garden as he wrestles with the idea of confronting Anty. He resolves to test the truth of the marriage rumor and, if it holds, to protect his inheritance by any means he deems necessary. The tension builds as his anger and anxiety collide, setting the stage for a clash that could reshape the fragile balance between loyalty, love, and personal gain.
Language
en
Duration
~15 hours (866K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-06-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1815–1882
Best known for the Barsetshire and Palliser novels, this prolific Victorian writer turned the routines of politics, clergy, and everyday social life into rich, deeply human fiction. His books are loved for their wit, psychological insight, and steady, companionable storytelling.
View all books