https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-charles-reade-library--6897858
Come then. Sit close. The page is opened. The truth, though resisted, shall be heard.]]>enFictionPublic domainhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0101f5d3f770034f23f8165a112e37dd.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-charles-reade-library--6897858Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:30:26 +0000Charles ReadeGood Old Classicsfeeds@spreaker.comWelcome, Reader. Here you shall find no abridgement, no timid excerpt, no mutilated chapter smoothed for idle ears. Here the tale stands whole. The Charles Reade Library restores to the living voice the full vigour of those romances in which wrong is...
Come then. Sit close. The page is opened. The truth, though resisted, shall be heard.]]>falsed2d1e084-c819-5a2d-a35b-018f47dc19fbserialhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-1-2--70398132https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398132Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:43:22 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the reader is introduced to the sober and respectable Wardlaw family dining-room scene, where father and son grapple with a troubling forged bill bearing the name of the son's trusted tutor, Reverend Robert Penfold. Subsequently, the...2272false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-3-4--70398133https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398133Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Wardlaw's son rises to prominence in commerce while Robert Penfold, under a new identity and burdened by past shame, toils as a gardener and falls into hopeless love with the general’s daughter, Helen Rolleston. The narrative unfolds with...2156false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-5-6--70398143https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398143Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a night pilgrimage to the harbour reveals unexpected departures and tender sorrows beneath starlight, while a young man’s heart wrestles with despair and secret devotion amidst the shadows of love and duty. Meanwhile, the humdrum of colonial...2050false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-7--70398144https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398144Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a brave young lady bids a tearful farewell to her steadfast father as she embarks for England aboard the Proserpine, while a mysterious clergyman struggles for passage amid the bustle of departure. The general, left to grapple with silent...919false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-8--70398139https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398139Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which we observe the intricate machinations of Arthur Wardlaw, a merchant wrestling with perilous debts and desperate schemes, while his beloved Helen Rolleston undertakes a fraught voyage aboard the Proserpine, under the shadow of concealed truths...2594false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-9--70398150https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398150Sat, 07 Mar 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the observant Mr. Hazel uncovers a disturbing scene below deck involving the ship’s mate and grappled with the troubling dynamics between the captain, the mate, and himself, compounded by cold refusals from a lady passenger he admires....2414false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-10-13--70398145https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398145Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the ill-fated Proserpine suffers a grievous leak, compelling her crew to a desperate battle against the sea’s encroachment, as despair and suspicion grow among them and the captain’s drunkenness leaves the ship’s fate uncertain. The...1974false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-14-15--70398137https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398137Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Wylie returns to England bearing grim tidings of the Proserpine’s fate, intersecting with the beleaguered merchant Arthur Wardlaw amidst the swelling tide of financial panic and secrecy. The inner workings of Wardlaw’s troubled affairs...2395false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-16-19--70398148https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398148Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the sorrowful fate of the Proserpine unfolds through the troubled revelations of its survivors, stirring deep despair and resolute plans for a voyage of search and rescue; meanwhile, a stranded company aboard a cutter, grappling with...2113false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-20-24--70398155https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398155Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a desolate boat adrift on a merciless sea harbours savage mutiny and fading human courage amid the harsh struggle for survival; yet through fierce conflict and despair, glimmers of compassion and resilience arise, sustained by the steadfast...2217false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-25--70398131https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398131Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Hazel, Miss Rolleston, and the ailing Welch find themselves shipwrecked on a mysterious island that presents both a tropical beauty and daunting challenges, prompting them to fashion shelter and adapt to their new surroundings with...2465false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-26--70398140https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398140Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two castaways labour industriously to transform their desolate refuge into a defensible and habitable sanctuary, fashioning many curious contrivances from the island’s natural bounty and their limited tools. Yet beneath this veneer of...2469false112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-27-29--70398138https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398138Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Hazel endeavours to chart the mysterious island and establish signals to attract distant ships, while Miss Rolleston wrestles with turbulent emotions and an unnerving encounter amidst the wild. In which Hazel's solitary mountain ascent...2010false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-30-33--70398134https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398134Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Hazel, burdened by forbidden love and careful providence, tends to the ailing Helen on their island refuge amidst the gathering storm of the rainy season, striving to shield her from sickness and the elements. They find solace in...1628false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-34-36--70398154https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398154Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the aftermath of a violent storm reveals both ruin and resourcefulness, as our two castaways adapt to their altered circumstances with steadfast industry and curious explorations of their island refuge, pondering ancient secrets and signs of...2520false115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-37-38--70398156https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398156Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a brave attempt to rescue survivors from a wrecked ship ends in apparent tragedy, leaving a solitary woman to grapple with despair and renewed resolve amid the merciless sea and its wild creatures. Yet hope and companionship arise...2256false116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-39-42--70398153https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398153Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the bedridden Hazel, sustained by the tender care of Helen Rolleston, wrestles with a great problem of communication from their remote island, employing all his inventive faculties despite his bodily pain and languor. Meanwhile, far away,...2021false117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-43-45--70398147https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398147Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a curious maritime tale of a mysterious island reflected in the sky stirs lively debate aboard the Springbok, leading to a bold decision to alter course amid the sailors’ hopeful entreaties. Meanwhile, on a remote island, tender human...1866false118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-46-50--70398146https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398146Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the solemn attempt to light a guiding beacon on a remote isle is thwarted by a sudden repulse, unveiling the delicate complexities of duty and affection amid solitude. Meanwhile, a hopeful search at sea encounters an enigmatic vessel bearing...2440false119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter51-52--70398135https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398135Sat, 21 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a painful revelation disrupts the delicate bonds of trust and affection between a father, his daughter, and a devoted guardian whose true identity and past cast a sombre shadow over their companionship. Amidst a tempest of sorrow and...2283false120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-53-54--70398136https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398136Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the steadfast Nancy Rouse reveals her pragmatic ambition and complex affections amid the turbulent returns and reckonings of Joseph Wylie and Arthur Wardlaw, while young Wardlaw grapples with sorrow and schemes following a grievous loss....2556false121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-55-56--70398151https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398151Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Helen Rolleston, with a tender yet resolute spirit, navigates a labyrinth of social obstacles and legal formalities to inquire into the troubling case of Robert Penfold, encountering cold refusals and unexpected kindnesses that test her...1902false122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-57-59--70398157https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398157Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Nancy Rouse and Michael Penfold form a heartfelt alliance amid domestic trials and a curious, uncanny discovery that unsettles their quiet world; and Helen seeks the truth about Robert Penfold’s innocence through the keen scrutiny of a...2175false123fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-60-63--70398141https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398141Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a shrewd examination reveals that the newspapers Helen possesses are clever forgeries, leading to a cautious investigation into their authorship and a curious proposal to create a forgery in turn. Meanwhile, Helen’s steadfast resolve faces...2622false124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-64-65--70398142https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398142Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the tender ties of affection and duty cause poignant conflict amidst the recovery of a cherished prayer-book, while a certain gentleman wrestles with remorse and hope in equal measure. Meanwhile, a solitary mariner, burdened by exile and...2131false125fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-66-68--70398149https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398149Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Helen Rolleston wrestles with the complexities of love, suspicion, and loyalty while enlisting the aid of legal and investigative allies to uncover the truth behind nefarious plots surrounding her and Robert Penfold. Meanwhile, the tangled...1455false126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foul-play-chapter-69--70398152https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398152Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the steadfast Helen uncovers a tangled web of deception and forgery linked to her beloved Robert Penfold, aided by the diligent detective Mr. Burt and the expert Undercliff, as the truth threatens to upheave established lives and reputations....2045false127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-i-part-1--70398268https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398268Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the reader is introduced to the struggles and complex relationships surrounding George Fielding, a sober and sensitive farmer burdened by poor land and financial woes, as he contemplates an opportunity abroad while entangled in local affairs...1541false21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-i-part-2--70398269https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398269Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the Fielding brothers grapple with financial strain and familial tensions upon their rural estate, while the sharp-witted Susan intervenes to temper their discord and challenge their conduct. Amidst talk of fortune and toil, an American...1818false22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-ii--70398271https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398271Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a heavy cloud of misfortune settles upon the Fielding farm as George receives a summons from a nobleman offering him a new life overseas, whilst the arrest of a supposed friend casts a shadow over the household and sharpens the strains...1894false23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-iii--70398270https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398270Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a young man, George Fielding, prepares to leave his ancestral home with a heavy heart, bidding farewell to family, friends, and the memories of a dearly departed mother, whilst facing the disquiet of uncertain futures and tangled affections....1673false24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-iv-and-v--70398274https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398274Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the cruel vicissitudes of life uproot George Fielding from his cherished farm and beloved Susan, leaving a trail of heartache that shadows each affected soul with a sombre, almost sacred weight. Meanwhile, John Meadows wrestles with a tempest...969false25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-vi-part-1--70398273https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398273Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which John Meadows, a man of restless industry and secret passion, devises clever financial plans while privately wrestling with a vow of restraint towards the Merton family, particularly the sorrowful Susan. The story unfolds as Meadows navigates...1460false26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-vi-part-2--70398272https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398272Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Susan Merton’s garden and charitable endeavours are touched by a gentle yet perceptive visitor, a clergyman named Mr. Eden, whose thoughtful kindness and engaging presence bring a new light to the village and its inhabitants. The narrative...1452false27fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-vii--70398275https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398275Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a kindly clergyman, Mr. Eden, settles into his new parish with a warmth and practical sympathy that quickly endeared him to his congregation, while the gentle Susan Merton’s hidden sorrow comes tenderly to light under his compassionate gaze....858false28fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-viii--70398277https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398277Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two suitors of the same lady display contrasting natures and intentions, leading to a tense rivalry marked by delicate social manoeuvres and heartfelt misunderstandings. The mutual efforts to win favour and maintain honour unfold against a...871false29fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-ix--70398286https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398286Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a tender fellowship blooms between Mr. Eden and Susan, casting a gentle light upon the quiet village life, even as the shadow of an imminent farewell looms. The delicate interplay of human kindness and hidden sorrows is inscribed amidst tea...1086false210fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-x-part-1--70398285https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398285Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which we are introduced to the shrewd Mr. Meadows and his intricate schemes alongside his crafty attorney, Peter Crawley, set against the grim but oddly ordered backdrop of a castellated prison undergoing reform. The narrative then draws us into...1719false211fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-x-part-2--70398281https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398281Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a thief named Robinson endures the harshness of prison life, battling the crushing solitude, forced labour, and brutal punishments imposed by the authorities, even as small moments of work and human contact offer fleeting respite. The...1667false212fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xi--70398293https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398293Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which we observe the cruel mechanics of discipline and the heart-rending endurance of a fever-weakened prisoner subjected to merciless treatment within the prison’s confines, whilst a chaplain and visiting justices attempt to pierce the veil of...1112false213fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xii--70398295https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398295Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the harsh discipline and privations of jail life are laid bare through the grim experiences of prisoners, including the young Gillies and the desperate Robinson, while tensions simmer between the governor and chaplain over their differing...1600false214fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xiii--70398283https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398283Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which we witness the desolation of a hardened prisoner whose hopes and faith in humanity and authority alike have been grievously crushed by cruelty and indifference, even as a new chaplain steps into the somber scene with quiet observation and...528false215fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xiv--70398282https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398282Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a new chaplain arrives at the prison and promptly immerses himself in the inspection and understanding of the separate and silent system, encountering a range of prisoners whose characters he studies with compassionate interest. His earnest...1555false216fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xv-part-1--70398303https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398303Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Governor Hawes exercises his unyielding authority with stern and cruel punishments, while the new chaplain endeavours with tender compassion to soften the harshness of the prison’s discipline and to minister to the afflicted prisoner...1650false217fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xv-part-2--70398284https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398284Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:30:05 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a despairing prisoner on the verge of madness finds solace and a flicker of hope through the compassionate and steadfast presence of a Christian chaplain, whose kindness begins to thaw a hardened heart despite the dark and cruel environment....1899false218fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xv-part-3--70398276https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398276Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the harsh realities of theft and cruelty are laid bare with both stern rebuke and compassionate appeal within the confines of a prison chapel, as a preacher’s fiery denunciations and heartfelt exhortations ripple through the inmates....2280false219fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xvi--70398296https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398296Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Eden grapples with the harsh realities of prison rules and the malevolent influence of Governor Hawes, striving to preserve hope and humanity through the industrious efforts of female artisans and the honest confession of prisoners....2321false220fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xvii--70398278https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398278Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the benevolent Miss Susan Merton and her aunt come to the aid of the fainting Mr. Eden, tending to him with prompt and kindly attention, even as they impose their own peculiar order upon his chambers. Meanwhile, Mr. Eden grapples with the...1157false221fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xviii-part-1--70398288https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398288Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the sombre atmosphere of prison life unfolds through the troubled mind of Mr. Hawes, whose grim duties and inner conflicts rise and fall amid the harsh realities and restrained hopes of incarceration. Meanwhile, the frail Mr. Eden lies ill...2156false222fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xviii-part-2--70398280https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398280Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the grim realities of prison discipline unfold with unrelenting severity under the iron hand of the inexorable Hawes, whose cruel methods torment both body and soul, especially those of the young and vulnerable. A solitary flicker of...2370false223fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xix-and-xx--70398291https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398291Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a lone prisoner, Josephs, endures the harsh solitude and chill of his cell, while the others around him lie in careless slumber. The scene quietly reveals the stark divisions of endurance and neglect within the prison’s walls.311false224fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxi--70398279https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398279Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the harsh realities of prison life are laid bare through the tragic death of a young prisoner whose suffering and desperate escape reveal the grim conditions endured within the jail’s walls. Observers mourn and confront the weighty question...1144false225fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxii--70398287https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398287Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the malady of a prisoner named Mr. Eden is met with a novel and soothing treatment by a visiting doctor, whose methods of water application, rest, and simple diet gradually restore his fading vigour. Meanwhile, the grim realities of prison...1372false226fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxiii--70398302https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398302Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Hawes, undeterred by a prisoner's suicide, intensifies his harsh discipline and sets about punishing those who defy his authority, even as the chaplain and an observant justice take note of the cruelty endured by certain inmates. Amidst...1170false227fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxiv-part-1--70398341https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398341Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the visiting justices conduct a superficial inquiry into the prison's workings, expressing unwavering confidence in the governor while dismissing the chaplain's earnest accusations and preaching style, leading to a tense confrontation that...1408false228fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxiv-part-2--70398297https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398297Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the visiting justices conduct a rigorous inspection of the prison, uncovering grim evidence of harsh and illegal punishments, including the dreaded punishment jacket and the devastating effects of solitary confinement. The narrative gently...1854false229fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxv--70398308https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398308Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Eden conducts a harrowing inquiry into the brutal punishments meted out within the jail walls, revealing grim tales of cruelty, despair, and the silent suffering of prisoners under a cruel regime. The stark contrast between official...2054false230fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxvi--70398294https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398294Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a determined clergyman exposes the cruel neglect within a prison, confronting its brutal jailer and restoring hope and humane treatment to the afflicted inmates. The triumph ushers in renewal and quiet gratitude amongst friends, as vigilance...1340false231fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxvii--70398289https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398289Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the sober inquest unearths the dark truth behind a young prisoner's tragic demise, laying bare the failings of those entrusted with justice and care. The somber tolling of the prison bell mourns a life cruelly lost, prompting a solemn...544false232fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-xxviii-and-xxix--70398304https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398304Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the narrative narrows upon the contrasting figures of Mr. Eden, a saintly Christian, and Robinson, a habitual thief, as the former endeavours with patience and faith to reclaim a soul deemed lost by society. Meanwhile, Susan Merton’s return...372false233fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-xxx-and-xxxi--70398320https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398320Fri, 01 May 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a cunning Mr. Meadows confronts the respectable-looking postmaster Jefferies with evidence of his secret pilfering, setting a trap that reveals the truth beneath a genteel exterior, while a crafty solicitor weighs the price of leniency....347false234fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxxii--70398298https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398298Sat, 02 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the unexpected visit of a young lady stirs tender and turbulent emotions within Mr. Meadows, while disputes and debts bring about a decisive and unwelcome change in his fortunes. Meanwhile, the kindness of a devoted mother and the promise of...1296false235fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-xxxiii-xxxiv-and-xxxv--70398313https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398313Sun, 03 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Peter Crawley wrestles with a bruised spirit upon discovering that his admired chief may not be the most cunning after all, and Susan faces the sting of unwarranted suspicion from a disagreeable neighbour, while Meadows departs for Lancashire...299false236fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxxvi--70398337https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398337Mon, 04 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which George Fielding, accompanied by Mr. Winchester and faithful Carlo, embarks on a challenging sea voyage from England to Australia, enduring hardships and finding comfort in camaraderie amidst adversity. Upon arrival, George begins his earnest...1335false237fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxxvii--70398290https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398290Tue, 05 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. George Fielding takes a prudent account of his livestock's progress over half a year and forms a neighbourly bond with a thrifty Scotchman whose differing customs prompt a gentle cultural exchange. Their Sunday visits blend good reading...184false238fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxxviii-part-1--70398323https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398323Wed, 06 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which George, accompanied by his resourceful companion Jacky, navigates the rugged coastal landscapes and faces both natural dangers and native customs with a mix of admiration and courage, while gradually building his pastoral enterprise. The...1408false239fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xxxviii-part-2--70398292https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398292Thu, 07 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a forlorn cattleman and his steadfast companion grapple with the desolation of parched lands and the harrowing loss of beasts, their loyalty and perseverance tested by nature’s stern hand and human frailty. Amidst pestilence and treachery,...1336false240fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-xxxix-and-xl--70398301https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398301Fri, 08 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the resolute George Fielding, stricken by a cruel fever and overwhelmed by toil and solitude, finds solace and unexpected companionship in the faithful Jacky, whose simple kindness and quiet strength offer a tender counterpoint to George’s...860false241fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xli--70398306https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398306Sat, 09 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a young lad named Jacky, overwhelmed by sorrow, flees into the vast eastern forests to escape the bitter pain of loss, while the faithful dog Carlo remains vigil by his ailing master's side, expressing a profound and unceasing devotion. The...248false242fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xlii--70398300https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398300Sun, 10 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the prison transforms from a forbidding fortress into a place where human kindness and industrious craftmanship breathe new life into its inmates, and a compassionate chaplain fosters gentle reform through practical labour and heartfelt...1430false243fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xliii--70398305https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398305Mon, 11 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the reader witnesses the profound transformation of a wayward soul under the gentle care of a devoted chaplain, who navigates the prisoner’s turbulent mind with kindness, religious hope, and deep human compassion. The narrative moves tenderly...880false244fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xliv--70398307https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398307Tue, 12 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a convict named Robinson endures the grim company and petty cruelties of the Portsmouth hulks before being transported to Sydney, where he finds himself at the mercy of a dissipated master and the temptations of an old criminal milieu....621false245fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-xlv-and-xlvi--70398338https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398338Wed, 13 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two felons contrive a scheme to break into a well-guarded house, enlisting the aid of a reluctant but skilled accomplice and plotting with the precision of seasoned knaves over drinks in a squalid cabin. Subsequently, their chosen man,...310false246fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xlvii--70398347https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398347Thu, 14 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two disreputable gentlemen sit in the dusk, bartering with a peddler over a supposedly scandalous English pamphlet, only to discover upon inspection that it is a cunningly disguised moral tract, leading to their chagrin and a plotting of...560false247fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xlviii--70398299https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398299Fri, 15 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two cunning burglars, Brutus and Mephistopheles, plan and execute a stealthy invasion of a seemingly secure suburban villa under the cover of darkness, demonstrating both patience and audacity as they methodically gather spoils from kitchen...437false248fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-xlix--70398331https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398331Sat, 16 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a vigilant sentinel stationed in shadow contemplates the ominous message of a tract, its words seizing his heart with a sudden and solemn power, leading him to abandon his felonious post in a gust of repentance. And then, a breathless chase...685false249fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-l-part-1--70398310https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398310Sun, 17 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Thomas Robinson awakens to a profound self-awareness and resolves to amend his ways, seeking guidance and forgiveness with earnest humility. Meanwhile, a lively discourse unfolds between master and servants, coloured by a spirited tale of a...1326false250fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-l-part-2--70398335https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398335Mon, 18 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which an industrious and artful Tom Robinson endeavours to earn his honest living by painting exquisite imitation woodwork on doors, despite the trials and suspicions that dog his steps in Sydney, and where a promising acquaintance named Jenny...1175false251fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-li--70398321https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398321Tue, 19 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a travelling painter, upheld by his steadfast honesty and the gentle affection of a beloved, undertakes a long and solitary journey that leads him to nurse a sick friend back to health with patience and unexpected kindness. Along the way,...908false252fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lii-part-1--70398322https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398322Wed, 20 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the steadfast Robinson nurses George through illness and amidst dwindling hopes and bleak prospects, they rediscover their friendship while contemplating the possibility of gold hidden in the unyielding Australian soil, their spirits entwined...1912false253fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lii-part-2--70398342https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398342Thu, 21 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two men, one a seasoned adventurer and the other a hopeful companion, uncover signs of gold in an untamed Australian valley, stirring both excitement and danger amid hostile ruffians who seek to guard their secret. Through cleverness,...1540false254fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-liii--70398332https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398332Fri, 22 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Meadows returns from Shropshire with a heart torn between love and prudence, soon becoming entwined in the fortunes and misfortunes of the Merton family, particularly through the secret and illicit perusal of letters meant for another....548false255fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-liv--70398348https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398348Sat, 23 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the steadfast Mr. Meadows wrestles with a puzzling ruinous scheme against old Mr. Merton, caught between loyalty and suspicion, while revealing a rare glimpse into the more secretive workings of his mind through his dialogue with the faithful...560false256fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lv--70398330https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398330Sun, 24 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a shrewd man of humble origin secures an Australian land purchase and deftly orchestrates a scheme involving feigned gold discovery to outwit rivals and secure a handsome fortune, all conducted with careful precision and commanding control...1725false257fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lvi--70398346https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398346Mon, 25 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the feverish lure of gold transforms a remote colony into a theatre of human passion, labour, and transformation, unraveling social distinctions and igniting a singular historical moment. A reflective and eloquent meditation accompanies these...1038false258fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-lvii-and-lviii--70398311https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398311Tue, 26 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two industrious diggers, amid the sandy expanse and with hopeful perseverance, uncover a promising vein of gold that attracts both envious onlookers and furtive schemers; their discovery stirs a quiet tension, hinting at the jealous passions...666false259fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lix--70398315https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398315Wed, 27 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two comrades, robbed and despondent but undeterred, seek a secret spring of fortune in a hidden gully, striving to outwit the eager crowds drawn by the lure of gold. Their endeavour leads to uneasy alliances and resolves as harsh as the...996false260fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lx--70398309https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398309Thu, 28 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a dangerous plot against Captain Robinson’s precious gold unfolds amidst the lawless diggings, as rogues and old enemies conspire under the influence of drink and guile, while vigilant guards and stern orders seek to fend off the looming...1078false261fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxi--70398314https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398314Fri, 29 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the vigilant Captain Robinson, aided by his sagacious dog Carlo, foils a desperate attempt to pilfer his tent’s treasure, revealing a hidden vein of gold that sparks hope and camaraderie among the struggling miners. As he marshals the...1038false262fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-lxii-and-lxiii--70398324https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398324Sat, 30 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a party of friends, tempted by the charms of a rare Sabbath stroll in the southern climes, ventures to a homestead where an exile bird’s song conjures the tender memories of English fields and vanished youth. Amongst rough men softened by the...777false263fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxiv--70398317https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398317Sun, 31 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two resolute companions find solace in the simple, transcendent song of a lark amid a harsh and perilous encampment, only to be shadowed by a grievous attack on their faithful dog Carlo, whose devotion and passing leave a profound mark upon...1167false264fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxv-part-1--70398319https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398319Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the restless night on the goldfield camp gives way to a dawn rich with the chatter and colourful melodies of native birds, awakening a bustling scene of eager diggers and shrewd traders. Amidst this lively awakening, the peculiar disputes and...1916false265fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxv-part-2--70398349https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398349Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a wild and turbulent mining camp assembles to enact a rough justice upon a suspected scoundrel, leading to a chaotic and dangerous trial that threatens to overwhelm reason with mob fury. The ensuing scenes reveal the complexities of human...2329false266fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxvi--70398312https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398312Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Robinson and Jem discover a grim clue pointing to the presence of a dangerous enemy lurking nearby, prompting a tense and cautious pursuit through a treacherous bushland labyrinth. As they track their pursuer in the gathering darkness and an...703false267fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxvii--70398339https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398339Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the venerable Mr. Levi, moved by a deep and tender concern, entrusts a letter to Jem, beseeching him to deliver it to George Fielding upon his return, and prepares to depart the camp under a cloud of unspoken distress. Amidst this departure,...171false268fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxviii--70398344https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398344Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a fierce snowstorm drives Jem and Jacky indoors, only for a distraught Mary McDogherty to arrive bearing grievous news of their missing captain, prompting a solemn and determined expedition into the wild woods. With Kalingalunga's war-paint...578false269fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxix--70398333https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398333Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two men, beleaguered and pursued, find refuge beneath the boughs of an ancient tree as a sudden Australian snowstorm blankets the earth and fills the forest with ominous crackling sounds. Amidst the wintry solitude and the weight of danger,...173false270fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxx--70398326https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398326Sun, 07 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two stranded gentlemen, armed with little more than their wits and a guiding Southern Cross, struggle through an unforgiving Australian wilderness and encounter a steadfast native guide whose knowledge and customs provide both sustenance and...2161false271fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxi--70398316https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398316Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the restless minds of brutus and Peter Crawley are weighed down by suspicion and dread amidst the gold mine’s shadowy intrigues, revealing the corrosion of character beneath the lust for wealth. Meanwhile, Crawley’s descent into drink summons...481false272fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxii--70398340https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398340Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a party journeying through the bush stumbles upon the grim discovery of a dead man, identified as the notorious Captain Black Will, whose body bears the marks of nature rather than violence. The men speculate on the cause of his demise,...274false273fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxiii--70398343https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398343Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the somber duty of burying a fallen enemy is undertaken beneath a solemn gum-tree, and a mysterious letter from Mr. Levi urges swift departure from perilous goldfields, stirring plans and stratagems among the miners. Meanwhile, vigilant...866false274fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxiv--70398350https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398350Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two desperate men, inflamed by lust and hatred, conspire over a dark and cunning scheme to seize a heavy mass of gold, their conversation heavy with menace and uneasy spirits, while one recoils in horror at the fiendish plot unfolding. The...479false275fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxv--70398351https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398351Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a malignant plot unfolds beneath the cover of darkness as conspirators stealthily douse a solitary tent with turpentine and kindle a devastating blaze, lighting the night with ominous flames and ferocity. Meanwhile, suspense mounts as a...785false276fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-lxxvi-and-lxxvii--70398334https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398334Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a nocturnal skirmish leaves Crawley wounded by a fishbone spear and unsettled by the suspicious disappearance of two fortunate diggers, leading him to pursue answers in the bustling city of Sydney. Meanwhile, the tides of fortune swell and...681false277fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapters-lxxviii-and-lxxix--70398318https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398318Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Susan's heart swells with pride and joy over George's success, yet her happiness is tinged by the cruel breath of scandal and the ache of silence, as persistent rumours and her own doubts cast a shadow over her faith. The tender narrative...810false278fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxx--70398325https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398325Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Susan Merton endures the agonies of love and betrayal, navigating the turbulent emotions stirred by deceptive tidings and the relentless advances of John Meadows, whose ardent passion and unscrupulous designs drive the plot towards a...2321false279fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxxi--70398328https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398328Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the astute and patient Isaac Levi returns to England, resolved to uncover secrets and safeguard his interests through cunning surveillance and the aid of a faithful young ally. With careful stratagem and quiet perseverance, they set about...861false280fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxxii--70398345https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398345Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Meadows secures a hurried change to his wedding date through a delicate interplay of moods, endures familial and external opposition with resolute spirit, and confronts the vexing interferences of those entangled in the affairs...920false281fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxxiii--70398329https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398329Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mr. Meadows, beset by tumultuous emotions, reveals a cache of freshly acquired banknotes and wrestles with the burden of his conscience and the intricacies of honour among thieves. Meanwhile, Crawley’s uneasy loyalty is tested as he prepares...754false282fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxxiv--70398336https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398336Fri, 19 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the triumph of concealed fortunes and entangled hearts sets the stage for a wedding day fraught with interruption, accusation, and revelations that test the bonds of love and honour. The gathering of friends and foes amid the unexpected...1622false283fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-never-too-late-to-mend-chapter-lxxxv--70398327https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70398327Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the tender vicissitudes of love and conscience entwine to bring George and Susan to a union blessed by unexpected solemnity and heartfelt joy, whilst Mr. Eden’s noble efforts sow seeds of reform in the prison system far beyond their immediate...1722false284fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-1--70427827https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427827Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which we are introduced to the modest but diligent household of Elias and Catherine in 15th-century Holland, where the trials of large families and the promise of one son's artistic ambitions draw a vivid picture of ordinary lives marked by care...2169false31fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-2--70427896https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427896Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a chance encounter at a lively feast in Rotterdam brings together youthful hearts and aged wisdom, as generous hospitality and gentle kindness bridge the gaps of social constraint and personal reticence. Amidst the splendour of courtly...2206false32fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-3--70427859https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427859Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a humble scholar is ushered into the rarefied presence of a princess and her noble company, receiving high honours and a promise of preferment that stirs both joy and deep heartache. Amid the splendour and pageantry of courtly life, he is...1543false33fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-4--70427878https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427878Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the quiet afternoon in the hosier's house at Tergou is enlivened by the return of Gerard, weary yet triumphant from a contest of arts where he is honoured beyond expectation, much to the admiration and envy of his household. As he is invested...874false34fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-5--70427885https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427885Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the astute Ghysbrecht Van Swieten attempts to ensnare the young Gerard with veiled accusations concerning his whereabouts and associates, only to find his quarry both evasive and resolute. The night draws down as secretive eyes trail Gerard's...235false35fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-6--70427825https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427825Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:30:06 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a young gentleman, seeking resolution and understanding, revisits a familiar village and encounters a once-familiar maiden, leading to a delicate and tender reconciliation marked by mutual confession and renewed affection. Their blossoming...518false36fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-7--70427890https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427890Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:30:06 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a lively pageant passes through Tergou, marked by fantastical figures and unexpected merriment, while domestic tranquillity is disrupted by news of a certain youthful affection involving Gerard. The household, swayed by contrasting emotions...1390false37fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-8--70427855https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427855Sun, 28 Jun 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret's tender homemaking plight calls upon the loyal old soldier Martin to brave perilous woods in quest of sustenance, where his encounter with an unexpected and dangerous adversary unfolds. The household's fleeting joy at their feast is...878false38fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-9--70427869https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427869Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which young Gerard finds himself torn between the affection of Margaret and the stern disapproval of his family, leading to bitter conflict and a secret hope for escape to Italy's promising shores. Amidst the turmoil, Margaret’s steadfast courage...1554false39fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-10--70427834https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427834Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which young Gerard and Margaret face obstacles to their union from meddlesome relatives and the stern authority of the burgomaster, leading to Gerard’s imprisonment in a gloomy tower, where hope and friendship sustain him through dark hours. With...1897false310fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-11--70427888https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427888Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard, recently escaped from imprisonment, encounters supernatural apparitions that both terrify and compel his companions, while tense misunderstandings surround his apparent liberation. Amidst eerie manifestations and familial strife, the...800false311fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-12--70427891https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427891Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the marked absence of a prisoner from his cell sets in motion a whirlwind of suspicion and pursuit, stirring a town to restless action and a faithful servant’s haste. Meanwhile, loyalty and love take quiet, resolute form in whispered counsel...697false312fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-13--70427912https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427912Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard and Margaret, united by tender affection yet shadowed by peril, make the grievous decision to part for their mutual safety and dreams of a better future, while the ominous threat of pursuit draws ever nearer. As a gathering storm...546false313fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-14--70427845https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427845Sat, 04 Jul 2026 18:30:01 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a sudden and unwelcome search for Gerard Eliassoen turns a quiet household into a tense stage for suspicion and danger, as armed men ransack rooms with hopes of capture while a young woman pleads her innocence amidst the chaos. The scene...711false314fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-15--70427826https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427826Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the devoted Margaret cunningly conceals her beloved Gerard within a secret recess of an innocent-looking chest, only to discover with dreadful horror that her protective embrace has silenced him forever. Stricken with grief and frantic...362false315fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-16--70427876https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427876Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Martin Wittenhaagen is found in a puzzling posture with bow drawn, causing suspicion among his companions, who then gather by a fire only to be disturbed by shrieks from Margaret’s chamber. A fierce struggle ensues with Martin bound and...199false316fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-17--70427879https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427879Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a night's dreadful ordeal yields a miraculous revival and tender reunion between two devoted souls, their profound joy momentarily overwhelming all worldly fears and trials. Yet softly does the narrative warn that even innocence, newly...630false317fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-18--70427838https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427838Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the vigilant Ghysbrecht Van Swieten, restless with worry, leads a determined search of Peter's house, instructing his men with a fiery will unmatched by their initial efforts. Their eager pursuit takes a sudden turn when the sought-after...158false318fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-19--70427809https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427809Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard, Margaret, and Martin flee at dawn through the ominous forest, pursued by their relentless enemy, and a desperate encounter tests their courage and resolve. Amidst the shadows and tangled paths, the pursuit escalates as grim tidings...950false319fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-20--70427852https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427852Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the hunted trio faces the relentless pursuit of bloodhounds through the woods, employing cunning and courage to outwit their foes by leading them into a deadly trap amongst the hazel coppice. With danger closing in on all sides, a desperate...1024false320fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-21--70427893https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427893Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the fierce chase between pursuers and the pursued unfolds with a primal intensity, revealing the endurance and resolve born of youth and pure living as Gerard and his companions strive to outpace their relentless foes. The desperate flight...302false321fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-22--70427866https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427866Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a sudden and clever stratagem turns the hunters’ pursuit into a thwarted chase, marked by the skilful interventions of Martin Wittenhaagen and the unexpected mishap of a mule. The youthful pair Gerard and Margaret, aided by Martin's devoted...236false322fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-23--70427818https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427818Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:30:05 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the tender bond between Gerard and Margaret is tenderly tested by peril and parting, as they navigate the bittersweet moments of love intertwined with sacrifice and hope. Gerard’s solitary departure across borders and landscapes, guided by...769false323fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-24-part-1--70427847https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427847Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which young Gerard encounters the singular customs of German roadside inns, from stifling common rooms redolent with clammy odours to the communal dormitories where strangers are packed like cargo; and after a wild and rain-drenched journey...2601false324fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-24-part-2--70427832https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427832Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two wayfarers, bound by cautious trust and lively companionship, endure the rugged trials of a medieval journey through rustic villages and foreboding forests, encountering both quaint local customs and the wild dangers of nature. Their...2620false325fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-25--70427841https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427841Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a desperate struggle with a wild bear and a grievous wound test the courage and friendship of two young men as they journey through ominous woods, encountering eerie sights and uneasy alliances along the way. The narrative unfolds with tender...2102false326fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-26--70427810https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427810Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:30:01 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard, afflicted by a troublesome wound, receives the attendance of a learned yet contentious physician whose artful sanguine remedies provoke vigorous debate with Denys, the soldier and friend. Amidst their quarrel over bleeding and...2078false327fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-27--70427824https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427824Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two comrades, fleeing a hostile town, embark upon a swift but perilous voyage down the Rhine pursued by constables, their discourse richly interwoven with vivid descriptions of ancient Cologne’s marvels and saints. Their escape is abruptly...1127false328fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-28--70427814https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427814Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two comrades, bound by peril and affection, navigate the treacherous currents of the Rhine and the vigilant eyes of the law, seeking refuge and companionship amid the uncertainty of their flight. Their journey, marked by resourcefulness and...882false329fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-29--70427829https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427829Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard and his companions, compelled by hunger and prudence, undertake a covert and perilous journey by night to evade their pursuers, braving a tempestuous darkness that seems almost palpable. Their weary trudge finally brings them to the...182false330fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-30--70427843https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427843Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard finds refuge within the peaceful walls of a monastery, making acquaintance with a learned and inventive monk whose worldly insight contrasts with his devotion, and undergoes confession and healing in the serene, if solitary, monastic...993false331fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-31--70427821https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427821Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two travellers, one a soldier and the other a chronicler, debate the disagreeable rigours and petty tyrannies of monastic life as they consider resting at a convent, contrasting it with the warmth and civility of inns. Their spirited dialogue...606false332fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-32--70427861https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427861Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which young Gerard, gifted with the rare skill of penmanship, finds unexpected favour and hospitality among the monks as he undertakes to transcribe their records, while the rugged soldier Denys, once a sceptic, candidly recounts his riotous...984false333fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-33-part-1--70427857https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427857Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which our travellers find themselves heartily welcomed and jovially teased at a lively French inn, where the vivacious hostess and her bold chambermaids reveal a spirited and home-like hospitality uncommon to Gerard’s experience. As they continue...2720false334fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-33-part-2--70427865https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427865Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two weary soldiers, Denys and Gerard, find their journey interrupted by danger and an ominous band of robbers, leading to a tense and cunning night-long struggle for survival in a remote inn. Through courage, quick wits, and the faint embrace...2451false335fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-34--70427848https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427848Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a rescue from a desperate plight reveals the grim aftermath of a brutal tumults and uncovers ghastly trophies of cruelty in a humble inn, stirring the righteous wrath of those who seek justice. The apprehension of a wretched landlord,...1207false336fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-35--70427839https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427839Mon, 27 Jul 2026 18:30:01 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard awakens from a restorative sleep and, with his faithful companion Denys, journeys to a small town where they are compelled to await the trial of certain miscreants who once threatened them. The young men seek eagerly to thank their...251false337fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-36--70427880https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427880Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a young woman’s perilous position as a witness against a band of thieves is debated by the stern yet occasionally softened officers of the law, and a kindly, witty parish priest recounts quaint tales of human nature, ecclesiastical dues, and...2285false338fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-37-part-1--70427815https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427815Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the dramatis personae find themselves entangled in accusations of sorcery and the rigours of local justice, revealing a world of suspicion, small-town strife, and the occasional kindness of unexpected allies. Meanwhile, the fortunes of...2368false339fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-37-part-2--70427900https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427900Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the fortunes of a spirited young woman shift abruptly as she navigates harsh judgments and unexpected alliances, while two travellers encounter the peculiar customs and characters of a town beset by wolves and social curiosities. Amidst...2323false340fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-38--70427828https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427828Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two steadfast comrades journey through a harsh winter landscape, their bond and mutual devotion illuminated by moments of heartfelt frankness and tender gifts. Yet fate’s stern hand intervenes with cruel abruptness, leaving one bereft and...1794false341fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-39--70427853https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427853Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the quiet burgh of Sevenbergen is stirred by the consequences of Gerard's banishment, stirring passions and anxieties among the townsfolk and his family, while tender attentions ease the suffering of Margaret during her illness. Meanwhile,...1265false342fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-40--70427850https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427850Sun, 02 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the enduring warmth of human nature is illuminated through the tender bond between two Margarets, and a letter destined for Italy sparks a clever scheme among jealous brothers and a scheming burgomaster. Meanwhile, the hardy figure of Hans...2252false343fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-41--70427819https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427819Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Denys, burdened with grief and resentment, finds himself isolated and brooding at an inn while a sharp-witted landlady plots a clandestine kindness that transcends harsh circumstance. Their uneasy alliance leads to a shadowy deed carried out...506false344fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-42--70427849https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427849Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the gravity of a siege unfolds with vivid detail, illustrating the strife and artifice of medieval warfare as a determined force besieges a fortified town amidst the clangour of engines and the flight of arrows. Denys, caught in the turmoil,...1863false345fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-43--70427905https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427905Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret Brandt, troubled and reclusive, withdraws from familiar company and daylight, causing concern among her neighbours and friends, while an unexpected letter from Gerard brings poignant emotion and revelations to his family at the...676false346fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-44--70427881https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427881Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a young gentlewoman, overcome by frailty of body and spirit, is tenderly attended to by compassionate women whose words reveal tensions and past misunderstandings intertwined with family and honour. There is a gentle unfolding of maternal...369false347fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-45--70427886https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427886Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a domestic gathering is sharply disrupted by a mother's vehement reproach upon reading a letter, as she unleashes a torrent of bitter accusations and maternal grief against her sons. The scene is marked by her fierce indignation and sorrowful...427false348fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-46--70427835https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427835Sat, 08 Aug 2026 18:30:05 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Catherine wrestles with doubts and family tensions as she learns of Margaret Brandt’s unexpected rescue of her son Gerard, compelling her to seek the truth with a mix of suspicion and hope; and Denys of Burgundy, a steadfast comrade, arrives...2035false349fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-47--70427903https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427903Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:30:05 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Denys confides to Catherine and her mother the sorrowful tale of Gerard's absence and their search for the missing Margaret, who fled Sevenbergen under a shadow of misunderstanding and coldness. Amidst gentle rebukes and playful banter, the...1613false350fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-48--70427858https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427858Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a mother and daughter share anxious counsel over the uncertain fate of a young woman, contemplating the frailty of youthful resolve and the somber temptations posed by a canal’s dark embrace. Their discourse, coloured by wistful memories and...369false351fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-49--70427883https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427883Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret Brandt, burdened by a secret that threatens her honour and peace, wrestles with the harsh judgments of her neighbours and the solitude of her concealed condition, seeking solace and courage in her aged father's understanding. As she...933false352fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-50--70427898https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427898Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the industrious Margaret Brandt, faced with her father’s debilitating stroke and the loss of his medical practice, assumes the mantle of healer and struggles against legal censure and social scorn to provide for her household. Amidst hardship...2863false353fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-51--70427901https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427901Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret finds a true friend and receives grievous news concerning Gerard, while the complex tensions among old acquaintances and family members reveal themselves in a web of bitterness and reconciliation. Denys endeavours with good humour...474false354fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-52--70427902https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427902Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the lady, having resolved to obey her absent lover's strict command, offers to read his letter aloud to his estranged family despite her bitter feelings towards them, thereby stirring a complex mix of hope and mistrust among the household....620false355fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-53-part-1--70427867https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427867Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the somewhat reluctant Margaret Brandt confronts her old acquaintances with a letter from Gerard, recounting his recent trials and the peculiar companionship of a crafty beggar who becomes her unlikely master and guide. The narrative uncovers...2973false356fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-53-part-2--70427906https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427906Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which we accompany a crafty vagabond and his less cunning companion as they traverse towns and encounter the motley array of beggars, rogues, and pilgrims that populate the highways of medieval Europe, their trials shaded with grim humour and harsh...2807false357fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-53-part-3--70427884https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427884Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which our narrator recounts his travels through richly described German cities, the curious customs and crafts he encounters, and the warmth and camaraderie of the people amidst their many peculiarities. The narrative darkens as he is ensnared in a...2862false358fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-54--70427846https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427846Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret, recovering and tenderly cared for by Catherine’s family, entrusts them with a precious letter from Gerard recounting his arduous journey through various European lands and the peculiar customs of their people. Amid heartfelt...2725false359fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-55--70427909https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427909Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a frail vessel struggles bravely against a merciless sea, revealing the varied tempers and prayers of its doomed passengers as they confront death with a mixture of terror, faith, and stoic resignation. Amidst the storm’s dreadful embrace, a...1552false360fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-56--70427913https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427913Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard struggles to find work as a caligraph in Rome, encountering suspicion and rivalry, but finds solace and unexpected kinship in the company of Pietro, a proud but starving painter. Their shared artistic passions lead to a tender moment...1377false361fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-57--70427875https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427875Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which two friends, united by the bond of art and friendship, navigate the challenges of selling their work in Rome, revealing the complexities of patronage and the veiled commerce behind artistic success. The gentle interplay of gratitude,...432false362fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-58--70427897https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427897Sat, 22 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard and Teresa persist in seeking employment for the young writer amid the bustling streets and varied characters of Rome, navigating social obstacles and cautious patrons with patient determination. Meanwhile, a quaint yet spirited dwarf...1542false363fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-59--70427831https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427831Sun, 23 Aug 2026 18:30:04 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the industrious Gerard finds himself warmly embraced by the cultured circles of Rome, copying rare manuscripts for high dignitaries and reaping the rewards of his labours, while his friendships and steadfast heart remain anchored to distant...1037false364fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-60--70427860https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427860Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Gerard explores the venerable city of Rome under the guidance of Fra Colonna, witnessing curious ceremonies and the quaint blend of ancient customs and modern devotions that animate its streets and churches during Holy Week. The episode...2876false365fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-61--70427889https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427889Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the ambitious artist Gerard endeavours to capture the Roman beauty of Princess Claelia, only to be ensnared in a tangled web of passion, jealousy, and peril, as the advent of the printing press threatens his craft and the princess's...2665false366fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-62--70427907https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427907Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a grievous illness casts a young man's spirit into profound sleep, watched over by devoted hands and solemn prayers, until he awakens to a shattering loss that rends his heart. Torn between despair and bitter rage, he seeks refuge from pain...520false367fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-63--70427904https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427904Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the narrative unfolds the tragic decline of a once-virtuous young man, whose overwhelming grief drives him into a life of debauchery and reckless dissipation amidst the libertines of Rome. Amidst the gaiety and jests of a peculiar company, a...1474false368fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-64--70427874https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427874Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a lady of rank, consumed by jealousy and wounded pride, engages the services of a deadly bravo to avenge her honour upon a treacherous youth whose visage belies his character. The scene unfolds with a tense exchange where the interplay of...506false369fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-65--70427882https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427882Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a storm drives Gerard into a lowly inn of Rome, where he overhears a sordid negotiation between a pardoner and a furtive man arranging the pre-sale of a sin’s absolution, revealing a catalogue of crimes with assigned prices most unsettling to...272false370fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-66--70427856https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427856Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the sombre and anxious vigil of Pietro Vanucci and Andrea for their friend Gerard is pierced by a cryptic note that hints at dark despair and possible self-destruction, prompting a desperate search along the moonlit banks of the Tiber. The...501false371fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-67--70427871https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427871Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a young man, weighed down by despair and desperate to end his burdened existence, confronts an assassin with a strange beseeching plea upon the riverbank under cover of night. Their ensuing encounter, marked by hesitation and an unexpected...257false372fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-68--70427911https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427911Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the fierce and tender trials of womanhood are delicately traced through Margaret Brandt’s ordeal, as she faces the pangs of childbirth alone amidst foreboding presences, sustained by the resolute care of Catherine and her own steadfast...358false373fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-69--70427862https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427862Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a grievously ill stranger, rescued from the river by an unlikely saviour, finds refuge and penance within the peaceful cloisters of a convent, where his soul is gently tended by a compassionate priest. Meanwhile, those left behind, consumed...722false374fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-70--70427910https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427910Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which an assassin’s unexpected salvation leads him to a humble but honest life, while a repentant princess, chastened by a stern confessor, undertakes a severe penance to atone for her sins. Meanwhile, a young man once burdened with despair finds...407false375fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-71--70427899https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427899Fri, 04 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the great Philip, Duke of Burgundy, succumbs to a grievous illness amidst curious and misguided medical endeavours, while the world remains largely indifferent to his passing. Meanwhile, in a modest tailor’s house at Rotterdam, a far more...308false376fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-72--70427892https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427892Sat, 05 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Clement, a young Dominican fraught with worldly sensibilities yet zealous for his order, undergoes severe trials of faith and fortitude, including confronting the harsh realities of public execution and doctrinal disputes with a learned...2942false377fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-73--70427873https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427873Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the lively and resolute Catherine asserts her influence in Margaret’s household, driving away unwelcome soldiers and tending lovingly to the infant Gerard, while a tender domestic peace settles amidst the quiet stirrings of maternity. The...703false378fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-74--70427868https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427868Mon, 07 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the pious friar Clement undertakes a reflective journey marked less by peril than by moments of spiritual growth, charity, and unexpected encounters—with a scholarly Englishman and the pioneering printers Sweynheim and Pannartz among...2023false379fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-75--70427894https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427894Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Brother Clement encounters a deeply penitent princess whose contrition and resolve provoke his gentle counsel towards humility, charity, and pious matrimony, leading to a tender and spiritually charged parting that blends earthly remorse with...583false380fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-76--70427887https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427887Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the devoted Margaret tends to her household and the infant Gerard with steadfast care amid financial strain and quiet hopes, while grappling with the silence that shrouds her absent husband's fate; a kindly neighbour’s aid and an unexpected...828false381fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-77--70427877https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427877Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Mistress Catherine hastens to Rotterdam upon grave news, employs her steadfast wisdom to nurse ailing little Gerard, and navigates the delicate tensions of maternal care and local gossip with resolute compassion. The episode also reveals the...995false382fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-78--70427895https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427895Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a grievous falsehood weaves its dark and unbounded consequences, entangling those who spun it in remorse and suspicion, whilst a steadfast woman confronts the suffering wrought upon her family with poignant fortitude. Amidst whispers of lost...945false383fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-79--70427908https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427908Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which tender grief over the loss of a beloved patriarch unveils the delicate interweaving of duty, affection, and the burdens of solitude among the surviving souls. Meanwhile, gentle courtship struggles against suspicion and pride in a quiet...513false384fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-80--70427837https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427837Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Brother Clement and Brother Jerome, bearers of diverse gifts in oratory and piety, travel down the Rhine to England, their sermons awakening the townsfolk with varying tones of reproach and tenderness, particularly as Clement boldly confronts...547false385fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-81--70427808https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427808Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Catherine contrives a scheme to set two idle men up in business in Rotterdam, chiefly to keep near little Gerard, while Luke Peterson kindly crafts a cart to carry Kate and the child, enduring taunts with steadfast devotion. Amid these...331false386fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-82--70427870https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427870Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which tender affections intertwine with hope and despair, as Margaret entrusts faithful Luke with a letter to a distant lover whose fate is uncertain upon a great river, while in another quarter, a friar undertakes a perilous mission to reclaim a...1960false387fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-83--70427844https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427844Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret, restless with anxiety and faint hope, seeks counsel from a reputed holy hermit, whilst skilful ministrations revive the ailing Jorian in unexpected fashion; and Brother Clement, feeling the sting of desertion, finds solace in prayer...890false388fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-84--70427811https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427811Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a household in the Hoog Straet buzzes with preparations for the opening of a new shop and a family feast, while tender domestic scenes reveal the care and concerns that knit the members warmly together. Amidst these homely activities,...462false389fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-85--70427813https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427813Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret enters the grand yet unfinished church of St. Laurens and finds herself captivated by a preacher’s voice that stirs a deep and gentle emotion within her. As an uncanny recognition flickers in the friar’s ghastly expression while he...551false390fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-86--70427816https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427816Sat, 19 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Father Clement, moved by a congregation’s humble devotion and a holy vision, seeks to reconcile the presence of his lost love within the sacred church walls, pondering the mysteries that faith and memory entwine. His earnest inquiry into the...569false391fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-87--70427872https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427872Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the good Jorian discovers a dark deceit involving a corrupted letter and two treacherous knaves, uncovering a cruel deception that has long haunted Margaret Brandt’s hopes. The grim tidings stir a tempest of fury and despair, as Margaret and...1062false392fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-88--70427817https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427817Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a sudden and fiery curse rends the peace of a humble supper gathering, revealing the deep wounds of falsehood and betrayal, whilst a father’s fierce justice is tempered by the weight of sorrow. Meanwhile, a penitent soul wrestles with despair...656false393fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-89--70427851https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427851Tue, 22 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a man with a tender conscience and religious soul confronts his dying enemy to perform the sacred duty of confession, unearthing truths hard to bear with infinite patience and solemn compassion. After securing justice for a cherished woman’s...650false394fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-90--70427830https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427830Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which the sombre atmosphere of a household bereft of joy is deepened by the visit of a penitent old man seeking forgiveness and restitution from those he has wronged; the return of lost property and coin, though substantial, fails to soothe a heart...745false395fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-91--70427812https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427812Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which Margaret faces the weight of loss and hope, as news from distant courts and quiet hermitages bring both comfort and fresh anguish, while the care of family and the stirring of old affections weave through her days with uneasy suspense. Amidst...3286false396fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cloister-and-the-hearth-chapter-92--70427864https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70427864Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000Charles ReadeIn which a passionate soul, torn by love and remorse, seeks refuge in the austere solitude of a hermit’s cell, endeavouring to conquer earthly desire through prayer, penitence, and manual labour. Therein, amid the silent rocks and whispered oracles,...1698false397full