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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Robert Kimberly</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/robert-kimberly--6887341</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/6887341/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Fiction</category><copyright>Copyright 19th and 20th Century Fiction</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg</url><title>Robert Kimberly</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/robert-kimberly--6887341</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 09:17:14 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>19th and 20th Century Fiction</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker28@adfreesounds.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Fiction"/><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture"/><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>serial</itunes:type><item><title>001 - Chapter 01</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/001-chapter-01--70191928</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191928</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:37 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191928/001_chapter_01.mp3" length="9648177" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1205</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>002 - Chapter 02</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/002-chapter-02--70191929</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191929</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191929/002_chapter_02.mp3" length="9597344" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1199</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>003 - Chapter 03</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/003-chapter-03--70191931</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191931</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:39 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191931/003_chapter_03.mp3" length="3899046" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>487</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>004 - Chapter 04</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/004-chapter-04--70191932</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191932</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191932/004_chapter_04.mp3" length="4769898" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>596</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>005 - Chapter 05</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/005-chapter-05--70191933</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191933</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191933/005_chapter_05.mp3" length="8319202" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1039</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>006 - Chapter 06</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/006-chapter-06--70191935</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191935</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191935/006_chapter_06.mp3" length="5644516" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>705</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>007 - Chapter 07</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/007-chapter-07--70191936</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191936</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:44 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191936/007_chapter_07.mp3" length="8841964" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1104</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>008 - Chapter 08</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/008-chapter-08--70191937</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191937</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:45 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191937/008_chapter_08.mp3" length="10412971" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1301</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>009 - Chapter 09</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/009-chapter-09--70191938</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191938</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191938/009_chapter_09.mp3" length="4965908" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>620</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>010 - Chapter 10</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/010-chapter-10--70191940</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191940</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:47 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191940/010_chapter_10.mp3" length="9433132" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1178</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>011 - Chapter 11</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/011-chapter-11--70191941</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191941</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191941/011_chapter_11.mp3" length="4479755" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>560</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>012 - Chapter 12</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/012-chapter-12--70191942</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191942</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:49 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191942/012_chapter_12.mp3" length="9624331" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1202</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>013 - Chapter 13</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/013-chapter-13--70191945</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191945</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:51 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191945/013_chapter_13.mp3" length="5062346" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>632</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>014 - Chapter 14</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/014-chapter-14--70191946</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191946</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:52 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191946/014_chapter_14.mp3" length="3927289" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>491</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>015 - Chapter 15</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/015-chapter-15--70191947</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191947</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:53 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191947/015_chapter_15.mp3" length="8286360" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1035</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>016 - Chapter 16</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/016-chapter-16--70191948</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191948</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:54 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191948/016_chapter_16.mp3" length="5573601" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>696</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>017 - Chapter 17</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/017-chapter-17--70191949</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191949</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191949/017_chapter_17.mp3" length="12459882" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1556</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>018 - Chapter 18</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/018-chapter-18--70191951</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191951</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191951/018_chapter_18.mp3" length="6519343" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>814</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>019 - Chapter 19</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/019-chapter-19--70191953</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191953</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:02:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191953/019_chapter_19.mp3" length="10539321" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1316</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>020 - Chapter 20</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/020-chapter-20--70191954</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191954</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191954/020_chapter_20.mp3" length="9565967" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1195</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>021 - Chapter 21</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/021-chapter-21--70191956</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191956</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191956/021_chapter_21.mp3" length="4506949" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>563</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>022 - Chapter 22</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/022-chapter-22--70191957</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191957</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191957/022_chapter_22.mp3" length="6339232" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>792</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>023 - Chapter 23</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/023-chapter-23--70191958</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191958</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191958/023_chapter_23.mp3" length="5817307" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>727</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>024 - Chapter 24</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/024-chapter-24--70191959</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191959</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191959/024_chapter_24.mp3" length="5825882" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>728</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>025 - Chapter 25</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/025-chapter-25--70191960</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191960</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191960/025_chapter_25.mp3" length="5633221" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>704</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>026 - Chapter 26</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/026-chapter-26--70191962</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191962</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191962/026_chapter_26.mp3" length="7532863" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>941</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>027 - Chapter 27</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/027-chapter-27--70191963</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191963</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191963/027_chapter_27.mp3" length="8610812" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1076</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>028 - Chapter 28</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/028-chapter-28--70191964</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191964</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191964/028_chapter_28.mp3" length="2246040" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>281</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>029 - Chapter 29</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/029-chapter-29--70191965</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. 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At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1146</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>030 - Chapter 30</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/030-chapter-30--70191966</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191966</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191966/030_chapter_30.mp3" length="3837546" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>480</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>031 - Chapter 31</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/031-chapter-31--70191968</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191968</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191968/031_chapter_31.mp3" length="5356464" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>669</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>032 - Chapter 32</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/032-chapter-32--70191969</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191969</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:03:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191969/032_chapter_32.mp3" length="5735514" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>717</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>033 - Chapter 33</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/033-chapter-33--70191970</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. 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At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. 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At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191972</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:24 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191972/034_chapter_34.mp3" length="2493509" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. 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Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. 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Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. 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Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. 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Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. 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Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191977</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191977/038_chapter_38.mp3" length="9465347" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. 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Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1182</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>039 - Chapter 39</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/039-chapter-39--70191978</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191978</guid><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:00:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191978/039_chapter_39.mp3" length="3995065" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>499</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>040 - Chapter 40</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/040-chapter-40--70191979</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191979</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191979/040_chapter_40.mp3" length="7485166" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>935</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>041 - Chapter 41</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/041-chapter-41--70191980</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191980</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191980/041_chapter_41.mp3" length="2064673" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>258</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>042 - Chapter 42</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/042-chapter-42--70191981</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191981</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191981/042_chapter_42.mp3" length="2621533" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/fec9f5bf-11f9-4bb8-a068-fb4337446141/fec9f5bf-11f9-4bb8-a068-fb4337446141.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/fec9f5bf-11f9-4bb8-a068-fb4337446141/fec9f5bf-11f9-4bb8-a068-fb4337446141.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/fec9f5bf-11f9-4bb8-a068-fb4337446141/fec9f5bf-11f9-4bb8-a068-fb4337446141.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>328</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>043 - Chapter 43</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/043-chapter-43--70191982</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191982</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191982/043_chapter_43.mp3" length="4113466" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/18e0bd21-6022-4f16-9493-6727693bbefe/18e0bd21-6022-4f16-9493-6727693bbefe.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/18e0bd21-6022-4f16-9493-6727693bbefe/18e0bd21-6022-4f16-9493-6727693bbefe.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/18e0bd21-6022-4f16-9493-6727693bbefe/18e0bd21-6022-4f16-9493-6727693bbefe.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>514</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>044 - Chapter 44</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/044-chapter-44--70191983</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191983</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191983/044_chapter_44.mp3" length="6418724" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5a8ad0fd-f0b4-4834-bc4a-571e0f9baf54/5a8ad0fd-f0b4-4834-bc4a-571e0f9baf54.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5a8ad0fd-f0b4-4834-bc4a-571e0f9baf54/5a8ad0fd-f0b4-4834-bc4a-571e0f9baf54.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5a8ad0fd-f0b4-4834-bc4a-571e0f9baf54/5a8ad0fd-f0b4-4834-bc4a-571e0f9baf54.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>802</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>045 - Chapter 45</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/045-chapter-45--70191985</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191985</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191985/045_chapter_45.mp3" length="2225749" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ccad98ab-4e39-4e49-afaf-1f50f28d5521/ccad98ab-4e39-4e49-afaf-1f50f28d5521.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ccad98ab-4e39-4e49-afaf-1f50f28d5521/ccad98ab-4e39-4e49-afaf-1f50f28d5521.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ccad98ab-4e39-4e49-afaf-1f50f28d5521/ccad98ab-4e39-4e49-afaf-1f50f28d5521.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>278</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>046 - Chapter 46</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/046-chapter-46--70191986</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191986</guid><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191986/046_chapter_46.mp3" length="3183413" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/00ef69ce-dfea-49db-93ad-55323f8743b9/00ef69ce-dfea-49db-93ad-55323f8743b9.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/00ef69ce-dfea-49db-93ad-55323f8743b9/00ef69ce-dfea-49db-93ad-55323f8743b9.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/00ef69ce-dfea-49db-93ad-55323f8743b9/00ef69ce-dfea-49db-93ad-55323f8743b9.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>398</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>047 - Chapter 47</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/047-chapter-47--70191987</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191987</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:00:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191987/047_chapter_47.mp3" length="5955580" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1faac6af-3358-481a-845c-9278c49a757f/1faac6af-3358-481a-845c-9278c49a757f.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1faac6af-3358-481a-845c-9278c49a757f/1faac6af-3358-481a-845c-9278c49a757f.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/1faac6af-3358-481a-845c-9278c49a757f/1faac6af-3358-481a-845c-9278c49a757f.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>744</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>048 - Chapter 48</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/048-chapter-48--70191988</link><description><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70191988</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70191988/048_chapter_48.mp3" length="6617453" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7c90a622-0301-4cfc-a8dc-0e900f5a2842/7c90a622-0301-4cfc-a8dc-0e900f5a2842.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7c90a622-0301-4cfc-a8dc-0e900f5a2842/7c90a622-0301-4cfc-a8dc-0e900f5a2842.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/7c90a622-0301-4cfc-a8dc-0e900f5a2842/7c90a622-0301-4cfc-a8dc-0e900f5a2842.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Frank H. Spearman</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>827</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>adultery,class,conflict,friendship,integrity,love,marriage,regret,relationships,society</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/ecf899eb59822b3a6dfc6b3431c09dec.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
