Written by Thomas Hardy
Read by Various
Unabridged

A Group of Noble Dames is an 1891 collection of short stories by Thomas Hardy.

The ten stories focus on a "store of ladies, whose bright eyes rain influence". Hardy delves into the hidden depths of country families to reveal what went on behind the scenes.

Part I - Before Dinner

The First Countess of Wessex
Barbara of the House of Grebe
The Marchioness of Stonehenge
Lady Mottisfont

Part II - After Dinner

The Lady Icenway
Squire Petrick's Lady
Anna, Lady Baxby
The Lady Penelope
The Duchess Of Hamptonshire
The Honourable Laura

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'The Fiddler of the Reels'

Here Hardy exposes a supernatural and demonic theme, against a realistic and historical background of the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the first trains. A typical Wessex girl is gripped by the power of music and dance when a lone fiddler casts his spell on her, causing her cloying but plain suitor to leave suddenly for London.

'For Conscience Sake'

Hardy's recurring theme of loveless marriage is brought up again in this story, with the title relaying his opinion in no uncertain terms. Mr Milborne thinks back to his youth in Wessex with guilt as he remembers his broken promise of marriage. To relive his heavy conscience, he decides to venture back west and honour his 20-year commitment, turning Leonora Frankland's life upside down once again.

'The Three Strangers'

On a dark and stormy night, three strangers seek shelter at a young girl's christening party.

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"Noble Dame" stories narrated by Nigel Graham

"Fiddler of the Reels" by Nigel Lambert

"For Conscience Sake" by Eve Karpf

"The Three Strangers" by Walter Zimmerman