
A crumbling castle once ruled the countryside, its stone walls now a silent backdrop to the modest lives of the last Arden heirs. The old Lord Arden clings to the remnants of his ancestral home, while his young nephew, Edred, lives in a bright seaside cottage with his aunt, surrounded by the chatter of constant guests and the salty tang of the sea. Their world is a blend of faded grandeur and everyday challenges, as the family navigates the quirks of lodging strangers and the lingering echo of a name that once commanded respect.
Through witty observations and vivid scenes, the story invites listeners into a world where history and humor collide. From the relentless tide of visitors demanding extra comforts to the stubborn pride of a family trying to keep its legacy alive, the narrative offers a gentle adventure that celebrates resilience, curiosity, and the simple joys of childhood discoveries.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (396K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Delphine Lettau, Stephen Hutcheson & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net
Release date
2018-08-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1858–1924
Best known for blending everyday family life with adventure and magic, this pioneering English writer helped shape modern children’s fiction. Her stories, including The Railway Children and Five Children and It, still feel lively, funny, and warm.
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