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A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 2 "The Mail" narrated by Isaac Birchall Subscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:The story officially starts on the Dover Road with the Dover Mail on a very steep hill. The passengers are walking along side the coach. The horses are not content and have made several attempts to turn around, but they are made to walk on. There is a steaming cold mist making its way up the hill, and it seems to be following them, and blocks out nearly all light. All passengers are cautious of one another and suspect each and all to be a potential highway robber. The guard is armed and has a blunderbuss close at hand. They are nearly at the top of the hill, and the coachman calls to the guard for the time; they are late. They finally get to the top of the hill. Through the mist the coachman and the guard hear a horse coming near, and the guard orders the passengers to get into the cab. One of the passengers remains half on the step blocking the entry for the other two, and everyone still listens. When the other horseman makes his way closer, the guard calls for him to slow down, and the other shouts out asking if it is the Dover Mail, and asks for a Mr. Lorry, to which the first passenger responds. He says that he knows the messenger and gets down into the road again, giving the other two passengers the opportunity to get inside the cab and shut the door again. The man comes closer and gives over a letter to the passenger. Mr Lorry reads the letter once to himself then out loud, and proceeds to give his response to the horseman aloud, “recalled to life.” No one understands this letter, but the passenger tells the horseman that the recipient will understand its meaning. The passenger gets back into the cab with the frightened other passengers, who are feigning sleep. The guard and the coachman talk briefly about the letter and answer, but they understand nothing. Jerry, the messenger, waits for the Mail to move out of hearing, and then starts on his journey too, thinking about the answer given by Mr. Lorry. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 1 "The Period" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” One of the most iconic opening lines in literature sets the scene of one of the most read novels in the world. Charles Dickens tells his readers about what is happening in both England and France, where this novel is set. France is less spiritual than England and has been making and spending a lot of money. There are rumblings of revolution on the horizon. England is out of order. There are robberies and burglaries taking place all over the country, even in the capital. The Lord Mayor of London was even robbed, and the Jails (gaols) are riotous. The Hangman is very busy punishing all ne’er-do-wells. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 52 "Pack Clouds Away" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:Edith is fretting in her room while waiting for the meeting between Margaret and Mr. Lennox to finish. At the sound of footsteps, she interrogates her brother-in-law and asks him to stay for lunch which he refuses. He shuts down her inquiries about a proposal and says that they have been talking business and business only. Before he leaves, he says that he will be back tomorrow with Mr. Thornton to finalise the business.The next day, to Margaret’s shock, Mr. Lennox does not come. Thornton is there alone and after an hour, Margaret determines to lead the meeting herself. She says that she will be sorry to lose him as a tenant. She goes on to explain a business deal wherein she would lend 1857 pounds to Mr. Thornton that is just sitting in the bank, he could pay her back at a better rate of interest and also continue working Marlborough Mills. She goes to look for more papers but is arrested by Thornton saying her name. She drops her head, and at a second call of her name she drops her head again. He comes close and whispers that if she does not speak, he will claim her as his own, and whispers once again her name. She falters at this and claims that she is not good enough for him, to which Thornton says that he too does not feel worthy enough for her. He places her into the same position she was in when she protected him from the rioters. He then say that he wishes to show her something and reaching for his pocketbook he shows her some pressed roses, she at first doesn’t know what they are, and after a minute she realises that they are from Helstone and that Mr. Thornton visited there. He says that he wanted to see that place where Margaret grew up. She tries to take them from him, and he replies that she will have to pay for them, and Margaret announces that she doesn’t know how she could possibly tell Aunt Shaw, Thornton joking that she will say “That Man?!” to her announcement, to which Margaret replies that Mrs. Thornton will say “That Woman?!” to his own announcement. The End.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 51 "Meeting Again" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:It is a very hot summer evening, and Edith goes into Margaret’s room. Edith tells Dixon that she should get some pomegranate blossoms for Margaret’s dress instead of the ones that she picked. She wonders how Mrs. Hale let Margaret wander around Milton by herself. When Margaret returns, Edith tells her that Mr. Lennox has had a meeting with Mr. Thornton in London and has invited him to dine with them. Margaret says that she isn’t hungry, but Edith forces her to dress for supper and join them. Downstairs, Mr. Lennox tells Margaret the reason for Mr. Thornton’s visit, his giving up the mills, and shares his fears that Edith will not accept him. When Thornton enters, Mr. Lennox introduces him to the party. He is still handsome and noble like, though a little aged from the stress of his business affairs. He greets Margaret happily, and they then go to dinner.Margaret is quiet at dinner and only asks Mr. Thornton about her friends in Milton. Mr. Lennox and Mr. Thornton talk together throughout the majority of the dinner, and Mr. Lennox tells Margaret that she was very ill when she first arrived in London but is now fully recovered. A politician is also at dinner, and enquires after Mr. Thornton, and after establishing who the newcomer is, talks with the Northern guest. Mr Thornton is not looking at Margaret, giving her an opportunity to study his face. Only once does he look at Margaret, after a comment from Mr. Lennox, but he instantly catches himself and feels a little anxious.After supper, Mr Thornton and the politician converse together, and Mr. Lennox talks with Margaret. He tells Margaret, that the politician is very pleased with Thornton. They then listen to the conversation between the two other men. It seems that the politician was recently in Milton and heard some good things about Thornton. Thornton says that he has grown close to the hands in his factory. The topic of Mr. Thornton’s business failures comes up, and Mr. Lennox tries to save Thornton from an embarrassment, but Thornton is more than happy to talk about his failures. He talks very positively about his hands and says that even though they don’t always understand why he makes certain decisions as a master, being closer to his workers has made all of their relations much easier but clarifies that he doesn’t believe this closeness will rid the world of strikes. He then perks up and comes over to Margaret to tell her that he received a letter from Higgins and other hands saying that if he were to start a new factory, that they would readily work for him again. Margaret is very pleased with this news and tells Thornton so. At the end of the evening as the men are leaving, Margaret slows Mr. Lennox down to ask him to come to visit her the following day at 11, causing the man to leave very pleased.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 50 "Changes At Milton" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Milton is continually moving and everyone is either anxious or happy, and the happy are very few. The businesses are struggling to compete against American competition. People think that Mr. Thornton is safe, but it is not true. He has spent his profits on expanding his business and has not got any left to keep himself afloat. Mrs. Thornton is reading a paper and talking with her son, he wishes to make something of himself overseas, and cares little for what he is in Milton, until he met Higgins that is. He has grown closer to Higgins, and while they differ on points, they have realised that they are both human. In spite of this however, Thornton is behind on his deadlines because of the strike and the importation of the incompetent foreign hands. Trade is now bad too, Thornton losing half the demand that he had before. Thornton is very stressed because of this and becoming more direct and hard that he had been over the past few months. Higgins one day calls to Thornton and asks him if he has heard of Margaret. He is confused at first, but then remembers, and it is like the summer wind is back in his face. He tells Higgins that Margaret is his Landlord and says that Margaret is among friends in London. Higgins inquires more about Margaret, and then suddenly asks if young Frederick had been cleared. Thornton has no idea about this, and Higgins clarifies more that Frederick was over in England for Mrs. Hale’s death but stops saying more when Higgins feels that Mr. Thornton did not know about Frederick’s visit. Thornton is overjoyed with this news. Thornton’s agent in America’s trusted house went down and put Thornton into more disarray. Thornton spends all night, every night, studying what he can do. One morning, his mother asks him what he has been doing. Thornton finally says to his mum that trade is bad and he says too that no man of his shall be put out by his collapse. He alone shall go out of business. He was offered a speculation, but it is a very risky one and will ruin him if it fails. Mrs. Thornton then goes on to wonder why her son always ends in misery; no girl and no Business. Mr Thornton asks his mum for some kind and gentil words that she used to say to him when he was a child, but she refuses. Thornton lays his face down on the table, depressed for a moment, but soon recovers himself. The revival of trade should be given up. Fanny’s husband is vexed at Thornton’s refusal of the speculation, and Thornton concludes that he should close his business. He has many offers open to him, but refuses to go into business with other people, wanting to only be a manager if not possible to start his business again. After 9 days, it is found out that his brother in law’s speculation was successful, and made him an incredibly wealthy man…SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 49 "Breathing Tranquility" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Edith asks her husband if Margaret has inherited Mr. Bell’s estate, but he is oblivious to the answer and assumes that he cannot have had much money as a simple fellow at a college. The following week, Margaret receives a note with the exact amount of money to be provided to her, an astronomical sum. They all allow Mr. Henry Lennox to be her advisor, and he spends much time in close contact with Margaret, teaching her about her wealth’s uses. Edith teaser him about the time with Margaret, and she wishes to see them joined. Margaret does not go to Spain and joins her family in Cromer where her family lazily enjoys the break from the city. As time goes on, Margaret believes less and less that Mr. Bell could have heard about Margaret’s reasons for lying from Mr. Bell. While her family shops, and rides, and enjoys themselves, Margaret spends her time sitting on the beach thinking about her future. When the family gathers at dinner, Margaret is deemed moped, and Edith suggests that Henry Lennox joins them there when he comes back from Scotland. Margaret’s time on the beach is not lost however, and she soon recovers her old looks of health. Mr. Henry Lennox remarks this change and becomes more enamoured with her and hopes that his time with her will have a happy ending for him. Henry Lennox, in his work for Margaret had visited Milton, and he talks all about it to Margaret which she loves. Mr. Lennox was very impressed with the city and talks with none of the prejudice that she once held for the town. When they return to town, Margaret determines to take her life into her own hands and no longer be subservient to her aunt. Edith warns Margaret not to become too free spirited and says that if she could only find her a husband, then Margaret could not fly away from her. Margaret says that she is unsure if she should ever find a husband. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 48 "Ne'er To Be Found Again" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:The dinner parties in London are full of Edith’s beautiful friends, the Captain’s knowledge of the day, and Henry and his friends’ wit and cleverness. The dinners are delightful, but Margaret is forever dissatisfied. The conversations are not deep, and it is the depth that Margaret searches for and needs. One day, Henry Lennox finally addresses some of his first real words to her. They talk about some comments made by one of his friends, which Margaret disliked. It is clear that Henry still holds affection for Margaret. All this time, there is no word from Mr. Bell’s going to Milton, and Margaret starts to feel that he must have transacted his business in writing and will thus not be going any time soon as Mr. Bell does not deem Margaret’s message to Thornton immediately important. A letter comes saying that he should be coming to London the following week to talk over some business with Margaret and also visit some doctors. When the following week comes however, Mr. Bell’s attendant sends a message to inform Margaret that Mr. Bell will not be coming to London as he is very ill, and the doctors believe that he should already be dead by the time that Margaret receives the correspondence. Margaret does all that she can to try and see the man before he goes, but by the time she and the captain arrive in Oxford, Mr. Bell was already cold. She is upset, but also happy to have seen the room that she should forever associate with her Godfather and her Father. They head back to London that night. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 47 "Something Wanting" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Dixon has returned from Milton to take up her post as Margaret’s maid. She is full of gossip from the city, and regales Margaret with her tales about the happenings. Mr. Bell sent many letters to Dixon about the books that he wished to have. Dixon has very little news about the Higgins’, but he has apparently been often at the house to ask after Margaret, and Mr. Thornton asked once. Dixon is not fond of talking about Milton, however. Margaret wants very badly to know if Mr. Bell has been to Milton to tell Mr. Thornton the reason behind Margaret’s lie, but he hasn’t said anything about it. Margaret gets and idea from his letters that he is ill, and whenever she asks about his health, he only snaps back a few short lines, so Margaret stops asking. Edith brings up an idea that Mr. Bell floated around once of taking Margaret to visit Frederick in Cadiz. Margaret longs for this and asks Dixon if she would come with her if Mr. Bell did take her. Dixon is against the idea of going to a Catholic country but being very interested in the inquisition and other historical things, says that in the end, she would go if the opportunity arose. Margaret is settling into London life again, but it is very different from her life in Milton. She takes great joy in Edith’s young boy and plays often with him. She also enjoys Henry Lennox’s company, intellectually, as he breaks up the monotony of life. They have drifted apart from their previous closeness, but are often together through their family connections. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 46 "Once and Now" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Margaret and Mr. Bell head to Helstone for the first time since Margaret and her family left. The countryside makes her feel nostalgic for the past and hurts her a little to see all of the familiar trees. When the arrive, they make their way to the inn where they are staying and they are soon greeted by the matron, who immediately recognises Margaret and asks after her family. News hadn’t come to Helstone that her father had passed away too. The matron tells them a little about the new parson, a teetotaler who doesn’t want the farm workers to drink either. From her window, Margaret can see the parsonage, her former home. After a quick lunch, she and Mr. Bell set out on a walk. Mr. Bell suggests going by the vicarage, but Margaret wants to do that last. Helstone has changed, the cottage that she drew with Mr. Lennox had been pulled down and replaced, many trees in the area felled, and Margaret feels like time has slipped away from her. Margaret asks to go and see Susan, a girl she used to tutor. The walk is long, but they go slowly for Mr. Bell’s sake. When they arrive, they find only Susan’s mother. Susan has gone to school. Margaret asks about another villager, but the woman replies that they have fallen out, because the other woman stole and boiled her cat to protect her from a gipsy. Margaret asks more questions about this and is shocked that the pagan ways of life still persist there. Following this, Margaret goes to the school to visit Susan, where they meet the New Vicar’s wife. She confuses Mr. Bell for the vicar, and they have to explain again. Margaret talks with some of her old acquaintances and then the vicar’s wife invites Margaret and Mr. Bell to see the parsonage house, and the renovations that they have made. The house has been entirely changed except for one room, Mr. Hale’s old study. They have added a large window where the vicar can see the towns people sneaking off of to the pub. Margaret and Mr. Bell then go back to the pub. This trip to Helstone is not what Margaret wanted from it, everything is changed, and it causes Margaret to reflect deeply and sadly on life. During the night Margaret confesses her lie to Mr. Bell, and asks him, if ever he has an opportunity to do so, to tell Mr Thornton about it. Following this Margaret goes to bed but spends most of the night awake and reflecting. In the morning she feels much better. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 45 "Not All A Dream" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Mr Bell has some dreams of his past when he first visited Mr. Hale in Helstone, walking through the woods and over babbling brooks. His dream was very life-like and he finds himself struggling to believe where he is and that his friends are gone. Mr. Bell struggles to follow all of Mr Lennox’s story, but it seems that more or less, all hope of saving Frederick are lost. When he sees how distraught Margaret is, he decides to stop, and just tells Margaret how much better Fred’s life will be in Spain than in England. Margaret, in a minute or to recovers herself and thanks Mr. Lennox. Mr. Bell, after this, says that he is going to go, but suggests to Margaret that they go and visit Helstone together before he has to go back to Oxford. Margaret is overjoyed with this idea, though she knows it will be a challenging visit. He says that they would be back by Friday, and following the conversation, they go upstairs to ask Mrs. Shaw how she would feel about this trip. Mrs. Shaw is unsure at first, but eventually consents to Mr. Bell’s proposal. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 44 "Ease Not Peace" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Margaret now away from Milton, hast the time to reflect over the past 2 months. Nothing has changed in London since she left. Margaret does not feel at home in London, but she is grateful to her aunt and cousin. Edith is eager to get well so that she can take care of Margaret. When Edith is well and her family start to go on engagements for the London Season, leaving Margaret, ill, at home where she can think about the past. Edith tells her that they will have a dinner party at home as soon as Henry Lennox returns. Her days are very simple; breakfast, meetings to talk about whose homes they are going to visit, letter writing, and looking forward to Dixon’s return. Margaret is missing hearing about Milton, and its peoples and Dixon’s letters are sadly very business-like. One day, Mr. Bell is announced. Margaret immediately jumps into action to greet him. He says that Henry Lennox was in the train with him, and asks about his person. Margaret says that she used to like him. He then says that he doesn’t know what to think of him. Margaret then asks if he has come from Milton. He says that he has, and that Mr. Thornton has proved himself to be a good friend to Margaret. Mr. Thornton is apparently well. Tea is finally prepared, and at the same moment, Mr. Henry Lennox walks through the door, shocking both himself and Margaret. They are both pleased that Mr. Bell is there. After the initial shyness is over, Margaret asks him about Frederick. Margaret tells Mr. Bell about Frederick’s situation, easing Mr. Lennox’s mind about talking openly about Frederick. Mr. Bell didn’t know that Fred had been in the UK and is shocked. He then adds that someone asked him about Frederick not long ago but does not say who and Margaret dares not to ask. Mr. Lennox suggests that the three of them meet the following morning to discuss Frederick’s case. Mr Bell and Lennox stay until the Edith, and her husband come home, and then leave together, badly trying to make conversation. Mr. Bell is not too fond of the lawyer.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 43 "Margaret's Flittin'" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Mrs. Shaw is not impressed with Milton. She is sure that Margaret will never recover until she leaves Milton. Margaret agrees to leave after Wednesday, the day of her father’s funeral. Mr. Bell sends Margaret a letter, apologising for not visiting again before the funeral, but says that Captain Lennox and Mr. Thornton have arrived in Oxford. He says that Margaret should choose what things she would like to keep from her Parent’s estate and says too that Margaret is to inherit his entire estate when he too passes away. Margaret is very emotionally tired from this letter and Mrs. Shaw is cautions of keeping Margaret well rested and takes care of her all night. The following day, Margaret tries to distract herself from thinking about the funeral by going through the whole house picking out articles she should like to keep and ones to send to Mr. Bell. She also picks out a book for Mr. Thornton. Dixon is worried about Margaret exerting herself too, but thankfully, Margaret is very tired from the day and sleeps well for the first time since her father’s passing.The following day, Margaret determines that she will say goodbye to certain peoples in the down, and while Mrs. Shaw is against this idea, she eventually relents, provided that they have a cab. The first stop at the Higgins’ only to find Mary there. She says goodbye to the girl and asks for something of Bessy’s to remember her. Nicholas is at work, so she asks Mary to tell her father to come and visit her that night. The next stop is the Thornton’s. Here, Mrs. Shaw alights too, and they head into the house. Margaret apologises to Mrs. Thornton for her behaviour the last time they saw each other, but she adds that she cannot say what happened. Mrs. Thornton doesn’t fully understand why, but she accepts Margarets apology and forgives her. Soon after this, Mr. Thornton enters, and his mother tells him the reason for Margaret’s visit. He is distraught and refuses to face her before she leaves, only helping Mrs. Shaw into their cab before locking himself in his room for the rest of the day. Margaret is very tired from doing her rounds, but recovers enough after a little rest to be prepared for Higgins’ arrival. Higgins says that he is sorry for her father’s passing, and says that he was an extremely good man. He says that Dixon and Mrs. Shaw wouldn’t let him in to see her. He says that if he wasn’t able to see her before she left, he would have gone to London to see her, but he knows that she would have come to see him. As a parting gift, she gives Mr Higgins her father’s bible, which he graciously accepts. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 42 "Alone! Alone!" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Margaret falls into a state of prostration that does not give way to tears. She only speaks in whispers, and Mr. Bell is perplexed. He knows that he cannot ask her to move to Oxford. He tries to get Margaret to eat something, but she refuses everything, knowing that she would not be able to swallow. Bell writes to Mrs. Shaw, telling her that she needs to come up to Milton to be with Margaret. Mrs Shaw comes to Milton with the goal of bringing Margaret back to London. She is shocked by the city, finding it dirty and so different from what she is used to in the south, but when she arrives, arms open wide to receive Margaret, the girl can finally cry. Mr Bell leaves the women alone and goes to the library where he hears the sound of Mr. Thornton’s voice. Dixon tries to get the man to go, but Bell invites him to come into the study. Bell doesn’t quite know what he wants to say to Thornton, he wants company more than anything, and when he says that he will need to stay in the pub now that Mrs. Shaw has arrived, Thornton invites Bell to stay with him. At the Thornton residence, Fanny is trying on dresses for her wedding. Mrs. Thornton is very bored of this and is very glad when this is interrupted by the entrance of her son and Mr. Bell. Mrs. Thornton asks after Margaret. Bell if frustrated by Margaret’s relations all claiming her, and wishes that he could claim her for himself, as her Godfather. After Mrs. Thornton leaves, Mr. Bell mentions Frederick, saying that he wishes that Frederick could claim her too. This causes Mr. Thornton to ask a lot of questions about this new name, and Mr. Bell explains the situation. Thornton asks if he could maybe have been in Milton after Mrs. Hale’s death, but Bell denies this, suggesting that the man Thornton could have seen at the station could have been Mr. Lennox. It is decided that Mr. Thornton will attend Mr. Hale’s funeral in Oxford too. Bell then brings up his idea that Thornton had romantic feelings for Miss Hale, he denies this, but then changes the subject to work, hoping to not let anything slip to Mr. Bell. Bell brings up the renovations Mr Thornton is making. Thornton is building a new kitchen and dining room for his men to eat in. He wants the men to have access to hot meals. He spoke the idea over with Higgins, and while he was initially against the idea, he soon came around to it. So, Thornton buys the ingredients “wholesale” and then a cook makes the food for the men. Thornton, after an invitation from Higgins and a few others has even eaten with his men at times and really enjoyed the experience. He now eats regularly with them.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 41 "The Journey's End" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Mr. Thornton comes very seldom to the house, only to visit Mr. Hale, and only for lessons. His business affairs are very hectic after the strike. Margaret tries to fill her time by taking care of her father. In March, Frederick and Delores write to announce their marriage, and it seems that Henry Lennox is finding it very difficult to find people who could help Frederick’s case. Mr. Hale’s health is getting worse, and Margaret suggests, after an invitation from Mr. Bell, that her father goes to visit him, allowing herself to also rest. He goes. That first day, Margaret only cries once, at the thought that her plans for Frederick have all fallen through. She tries to get out of her head and help others. She stops the maid, Martha, and though it took a while, gets the girl to talk about her youth. It turns out that Martha was helped by Mrs. Thornton and her son. After this, she goes to visit Mary Higgins. Mr Higgins is there too and he too seems more pious. When home, Margaret goes through some unread letters, and her mind drifts towards her father. She just wishes that Mr. Thornton would visit her father more often, she didn’t need to see him, just her father. Mr. Hale too is thinking of Margaret that night in Oxford. He has had a quite busy day walking around all of his old haunts and seeing old acquaintances. It seems like they all forgot Mr. Hale’s change in attitudes and ideas and welcome him fondly. Laying in bed, he converses with Mr. Bell. Mr Hale says that he is tired and says that he is 55 years of age and that must account for it. Mr. Bell calls him still a young man, but Hale is adamant that these last few years have been hard on him. He then tells Mr. Bell that he must be there for Margaret if and when he passes away, he also says that he has no regrets about leaving the church. He talks too about the Lennox’s and says that they will probably try to take care of Margaret too. Mr. Bell promises to take care of her but also tells Mr. Hale that he is being daft, and he will live many years longer. That night Mr. Hale put his head down on the pillow for the last time. The following morning the servant finds him. Mr. Bells immediately calls for his night bag to be packed, and he rushes to the train station to go to Milton and tell Margaret. On the train he tries his best not to cry in front of strangers but finds only Mr. Thornton in the carriage. He tells Thornton the news, causing Thornton to immediately think of Margaret. The rest of the journey is quiet and when Bell arrives at the Hale Residence, Margaret, seeing him out of the window, instantly knows what has happened…SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 40 "Out Of Time" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary: Margaret didn’t expect that Mr. Bell’s visit would make her very happy, but she very quickly feels like he would be a very close friend to her. They jest with each other about their differing views. Mr. Bell, though from the north, has become a southerner, and Margaret, a southerner, has come to sympathise with the northerners. Mr. Hale enjoys his time with Bell too. Mr. Bell isn’t proud of being from Milton. Mr Hale reminds him that Mr. Thornton is coming for tea, and says that Mr. Bell should behave. Mr. Thornton determines not to ask his mother about her conversation with Margaret and he shrinks from hearing her name even mentioned, as he still loves her. He tries to busy himself at work, and determines to arrive later than anticipated at the Hale residence to not seem too eager to be there. At the Hale’s he and Mr. Bell go over their business arrangements and Mr. Thornton finds Mr Bell to be a disagreeable man, and Mr. Bell finds Mr. Thornton to be the same. When they go upstairs, Mr. Hale tries to jest at the two men, saying that they spent so long in the study that they must have tried to convert each other to their own way of thinking. This conversation turns to Mr. Bell continuing to jest with Mr. Thornton, but the manufacturer does not understand the jests and gets increasingly more frustrated with Mr Bell. Margaret tries to change the topic and brings up a letter from Edith, which her father tries to continue on, but Mr. Bell mentions Margaret being a truthful person, and in the anger he felt at Mr. Bell, he snaps out a comment about Margaret not being as truthful as she seems. At this he instantly hates himself and expects Margaret to leave the room, but she stays still and quietly bends over her work and quivers. He gives short sharp answers for the rest of the night and then goes home, resolving to never see her again. When Thornton leaves Margaret starts to pack up her things. When she leaves, Mr. Bells suggests to Mr. Hale that Margaret and he share an affection for each other. Mr. Hale refutes this and says that Bell must be mistakes, or if an affection does exist, then it must only be from Thornton’s side. The following day, Bell goes back to Oxford and invites both Mr. Hale and Margaret to visit him some time in the city. Mr. Bell tells Hale that he should leave Milton and come to Oxford, but Hale says that he cannot leave the city, it is his punishment for leaving Helstone. The Boucher and Higgins families are living under the same roof. Mr. Higgins is making sure that the children are going to be well taken care of. Higgins can’t place a finger on Thornton and seems to believe that the man is split in two, the Maester, and the human. Apparently Mr. Thornton has taken an interest in the children too and wants to ask about their schooling. Margaret wishes to see Mr Thornton, but he is very seldom around. He sends last minute notes to Mr. Hale saying that he cannot come to his lesson that day, which greatly upsets Mr Hale. Mr. Hale finally ventures to ask Margaret about her affections for Mr. Thornton. She ascents that there are feelings between the two, but says that she cannot tell him any more about it, only that she regrets what's happened to his friendship. Mr. Hale’s health is getting worse. He has been seriously affected by his wife’s death. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.