Laodicean, A by Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928)
by ciesse
Inactiveen·58 episodes
fictiondrama
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The Laodicean (someone whose religious beliefs are “lukewarm”) of the title is Paula Power who bought the ancient castle De Stancy which she is determined to restore. Being of a modern frame of mind, she has the telegraph connected to the castle – and uses it all the time in the course of the story.<br /><br />George Somerset is a young architect who is invited to compete for the chance of the commission to restore the castle and who falls in love with Paula.<br /><br />However, the brother of Paula’s great friend Charlotte De Stancy – of the aristocratic family that once owned the castle – aided by his villainous illegitimate son, sets out to win Paula for himself.<br /><br />Although Paula likes the idea of being a De Stancy, she is drawn to George from the start. The various machinations of De Stancy and his son keep the narrative moving along at a fast pace.<br /><br />Summary by Simon Evers