
Nestled amid the rolling hills of Yorkshire, Hallam‑Croft stands as a perfect blend of ancient stone and modern comfort, its ivy‑clad walls and sprawling gardens echoing centuries of English tradition. Inside, the aging squire Henry Hallam tends to his quiet hobbies—mending fishing tackle beside his loyal fox‑hound—while his playful puppies provide a lively counterpoint to the solemnity of his surroundings. The estate’s timeless charm is matched by the steadfast, rugged character of its inhabitants, who embody the stoic pride of the region.
When a letter arrives announcing the visit of Elizabeth’s American cousins, Richard and Phyllis, the household faces its first true test of adaptability. Their Methodist faith and transatlantic sensibilities clash with the Hallams’ entrenched customs, prompting the squire to weigh hospitality against the fear of cultural discord. As the guests draw near, old loyalties and new ideas begin to stir, promising a tale of family, identity, and the gentle upheaval that follows when worlds collide.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (407K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Etext produced by Andrea Ball, Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team, produced from images generously made available by the Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions. HTML file produced by David Widger
Release date
2004-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1831–1919
Known for sweeping historical fiction and a remarkably resilient life story, this Victorian-era novelist turned personal tragedy into a long and successful writing career. Her books often blend strong-willed characters, careful research, and a deep interest in faith, family, and place.
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