Lob Lie-By-The-Fire, The Brownies and Other Tales

A quiet stone house on the borders shelters a curious resident—a Lubber‑fiend known as Lob Lie‑by‑the‑fire. Part house‑elf, part farmhand, he appears at night to finish the work that would take ten laborers days, then stretches lazily across the chimney to warm himself in the glow. The tale unfolds with gentle humor, hinting at old superstitions and the subtle bargains between the unseen sprite and the people who share his hearth.

At the heart of the story are the little old ladies of Lingborough, the last heirs of a long‑standing Border family. Their modest wealth, cherished heirlooms, and keen observation of village life paint a vivid portrait of resilience and quiet pride. As they navigate the routines of estate management and the occasional mystery of Lob’s aid, the narrative weaves folklore and everyday concerns into a warm, richly textured portrait of north‑country life.