The Mrs. Henry Wood Library
Books & Literature
About
Welcome, dear listener, to The Mrs. Henry Wood Library, where the lamps are lit, the curtains drawn, and the great houses of England yield their secrets once more. Within these walls you shall find no idle tales, but histories of the heart, of devotion sorely tried, of reputations imperilled, of sorrow borne in silence, and of truths that will not forever remain concealed. Here are the quiet parlours and shadowed corridors where conscience whispers louder than scandal, and where a single misstep may alter the course of a life. Each episode presents a complete reading of Mrs. Henry Wood’s celebrated novels, that you may follow every trembling hope, every fatal error, and every solemn reckoning to its just conclusion. Enter, then, with sympathetic spirit. The door stands open, but once within, you may find it difficult to depart until the last page is turned and the final secret laid bare.
Episodes
- The Channings Chapter XXXV - The Earl Of Carrick.
The Earl of Carrick arrives at Helstonleigh and is welcomed by the Yorke family. Meanwhile, Mr. Jenkins struggles with overwork and failing health and is assisted by Arthur Channing.
- The Channings Chapter XXXIV - Gerald Yorke Made Into A "Block".
In Chapter XXXIV of The Channings, Arthur Channing attempts to find temporary legal employment while facing discouragement and support. The cathedral school experiences tension regarding a senior student appointment, highlighting the balan…
- The Channings Chapter XXXIII - No Seniorship For Tom Channing.
Mr. Huntley arrives in Helstonleigh and becomes involved in school politics and the Channing family's issues. He navigates suspicion and rivalries while Constance Channing faces sorrow over broken engagements and family honor.
- The Channings Chapter XXXII - An Ominous Cough.
In "The Channings Chapter XXXII," Mr. Roland Yorke converses with his clerk Jenkins about fate, while Jenkins's cough adds a contemplative mood. Lady Augusta's arrival introduces maternal reproach and news of a visitor, disrupting the offi…
- The Channings Chapter XXXI - Abroad.
In Chapter XXXI, the Channings journey to the spa town of Borcette for Mr. Channing's recovery. Accompanied by Mr. Huntley, they navigate troubling rumors and family anxieties amidst the town's tranquil atmosphere, where hope and friendshi…
- The Channings Chapter XXX - The Departure.
The Channing family prepares for a departure on an August morning, receiving blessings and advice from Mr. Channing. Unspoken tensions and Arthur's conscience are present as well-wishers gather.
- The Channings Chapter XXIX - A Taste Of "Tan".
Chapter XXIX of The Channings follows a debate among Helstonleigh College students about favoritism in appointing the school senior. The conflict involves petitions and family loyalty, eventually drawing the dean's attention.
- The Channings Chapter XXVIII - An Appeal To The Dean.
In "The Channings Chapter XXVIII," Arthur Channing faces a grave suspicion with integrity. The episode explores the social and professional challenges he endures and how the situation impacts those around him, revealing societal dynamics.
- The Channings Chapter XXVII - A Piece Of Preferment.
Chapter XXVII of The Channings details Reverend William Yorke's unexpected preferment and Constance Channing's personal struggles. The chapter explores misunderstandings in their relationship amidst domestic trials and plans for travel.
- The Channings Chapter XXVI - Checkmated.
Chapter XXVI of The Channings, titled "Checkmated," details Miss Channing's efforts to instill discipline and early rising in her charge, referencing Queen Victoria's childhood. Meanwhile, rumors surrounding Arthur's arrest for a missing b…
- The Channings Chapter XXV - A Morning Call.
In "The Channings Chapter XXV - A Morning Call," Arthur Channing bears suspicion with fortitude, supporting his brother as friends and family offer strained support amidst uncertainty and whispered doubts.
- The Channings Chapter XXIV - The Examination.
In "The Channings Chapter XXIV," Arthur Channing is examined on suspicion of theft. The chapter explores themes of innocence, family secrets, and loyalty as Arthur faces the proceedings.
- The Channings Chapter XXIII - An Escort To The Guildhall.
Chapter XXIII of The Channings, titled 'An Escort To The Guildhall,' details a grave accusation that disrupts the Channing household, causing suspicion and emotional turmoil. Arthur confronts the situation with a troubled composure, suppor…
- The Channings Chapter XXII - An Interrupted Dinner.
Chapter XXII of The Channings details a grievous suspicion falling upon the Channing household, leading to unrest among scholars and an impending public inquiry for Arthur Channing.
- The Channings Chapter XXI - Mr. Butterby.
Chapter XXI of The Channings, "Mr. Butterby," details a quiet investigation into a missing bank-note. Suspicion falls on a young clerk as Mr. Butterby probes the habits and obligations of the office staff.
- The Channings Chapter XX - The Looming Of An Awful Fear.
Chapter XX of The Channings sees the insurance office disrupted by a missing twenty-pound note, causing widespread suspicion. A revelation by Hamish introduces further unease and worry.
- The Channings Chapter XIX - The Loss.
Chapter XIX of The Channings details Mr. Galloway's interrogation of clerks following a mysterious bank-note disappearance. The inquiry uncovers suspicions and youthful indiscretions, with a sealed letter deepening the mystery.
- The Channings Chapter XVIII - Mr. Jenkins Alive Again.
Chapter XVIII of The Channings sees Mr. Jenkins return to work despite his accident. A mystery arises in his office concerning a missing bank-note, creating an atmosphere of trust and suspicion.
- The Channings Chapter XVII - Sunday Morning At Mr. Channing's, And At Lady Augusta's.
Chapter XVII of The Channings focuses on the family's Sunday routines and Mr. Channing's hope for recovery after hearing Dr. Lamb's inspiring story of overcoming a similar illness.
- The Channings Chapter XVI - Much To Alter.
In Chapter XVI of The Channings, Miss Constance Channing focuses on disciplining the children, and Mr. Yorke shares news about a possible remedy for Mr. Channing's rheumatism.
- The Channings Chapter XV - A Splash In The River.
Chapter XV of The Channings features Mr. Ketch clashing with college students over lost keys. A bishop intervenes in a scheme to retrieve the keys.
- The Channings Chapter XIV - Keeping Office.
Chapter XIV of The Channings follows the brothers as they manage office duties and social events while dealing with financial issues. They reconnect with acquaintances, testing their loyalty and resolve within the community of Helstonleigh.
- The Channings Chapter XIII - Mad Nance.
Chapter XIII of The Channings covers Mr. Jenkins's accident, the chapel keys incident, and Mad Nance's disruptive but harmless appearance, during which she is helped by Hamish Channing.
- The Channings Chapter XII - A Mishap To The Bishop.
In "The Channings Chapter XII," the Bishop of Helstonleigh is accidentally locked in the cathedral cloisters with two others. The situation leads to a humorous investigation into missing keys and the discovery of Jenkins in a fainted state.
- The Channings Chapter XI - The Cloister Keys.
In 'The Channings Chapter XI - The Cloister Keys,' young Arthur Channing contemplates his situation as rumors of favoritism cause trouble among the schoolboys. The chapter concludes with a porter and a clerk becoming accidentally locked in…
- The Channings Chapter X - A False Alarm.
In this episode, Arthur is appointed assistant-organist of the cathedral, providing a modest income. Constance becomes concerned about Hamish's late-night work and potential legal issues.
- The Channings Chapter IX - Hamish's Candles.
In The Channings Chapter IX, Judith shares her observations of Mr. Hamish Channing's late-night candlelit vigils and discusses them with Constance. Meanwhile, Hamish confides in Arthur about his financial struggles and future anxieties.
- The Channings Chapter VIII - The Assistant-Organist.
Arthur attempts to get Mr. Galloway's permission to work longer hours playing the cathedral organ to earn extra money for his family. This episode explores his hopeful new endeavor against a backdrop of conversations and financial concerns.
- The Channings Chapter VII - Mr. Ketch.
This episode covers Chapter VII of 'The Channings,' where Mrs. Channing provides spiritual guidance to her children amidst financial worries. Arthur also navigates college life and social engagements.
- The Channings Chapter VI - Lady Augusta Yorke At Home
This episode explores the family life of Lady Augusta Yorke, detailing her maternal challenges and the household’s hopes for a new governess, Constance Channing, who arrives amidst youthful rebellions and household plans.
- The Channings Chapter V - Roland Yorke
Chapter V of 'The Channings' introduces Arthur Channing's tutelage under Richard Galloway, contrasting the peaceful Channing household with the turbulent Yorke family, against a backdrop of financial concerns and youthful indiscretions.
- The Channings Chapter IV - No Holiday To-day
Constance decides to become a governess to ease her family's financial hardship, despite others' concerns. At school, a collective punishment for mischief prompts a lesson in honor and responsibility for the boys.
- The Channings Chapter III - Constance Channing
This episode details the Channing family's reaction to a lost inheritance, forcing them to adapt. Siblings begin to consider new responsibilities, and Mr. Yorke's interest in Constance introduces a potential romantic element.
- The Channings Chapter II - Bad News
In "The Channings Chapter II - Bad News," the Channing family faces financial threats due to a legal matter revealed by post. Despite the misfortune, they demonstrate unity and mutual support.
- The Channings Chapter I - The Inked Surplice
The first chapter of "The Channings" details the solemn opening of the Helstonleigh Assizes, where a mischievous act involving a choirmaster's surplice stirs controversy among the boys. The episode explores themes of schoolboy honour and s…