Skip to main content.

Wives and Daughters (Dramatic Reading)

Molly and her father have lived alone since the death of her mother. Now Mr Gibson decides it will be in Molly's best interests for him to marry again. The new "Mama" brings to the household many changes, including a glamorous new step-sister. Mrs Gibson starts scheming to have Cynthia marry one of the sons of the local squire, but she does not understand Cynthia's reluctance or why Molly is meeting Mr Preston in the forest. Secrets, love affairs and society gossip abound in this social commentary novel written by Mrs Gaskell (author of North and South and Mary Barton). Love across the class divide, love of parents for children and step-children, love which is a 'heated fancy', love between sisters, and sincere self-sacrificing love of one person for another whether brother or beloved - all are delicately and delightfully drawn in this masterpiece of 19th century literature, and all are brought to life in this dramatic reading with a stunning cast of voices. - Summary by Beth Thomas Cast list: Narrated by: Lynette Caulkins and Beth Thomas Molly Gibson: K.G.Cross Cynthia Kirkpatrick: Amanda Friday Mr Gibson: Joseph Tabler Mrs Gibson/Betty/Frederick Greenwood: Elizabeth Klett Roger Hamley: Larry Wilson Osborne Hamley: Eden Rea-Hedrick Squire Hamley: Michael Armenta Mrs Hamley/Miss Pipe/Bethia: Vanessa Cooley Lady Agnes/Martha/Miss Airy/Mrs. Bradley: Farheen Lady Cumnor: Ruth Golding Lady Harriet Cumnor: Libby Gohn Lord Cumnor: tovarisch Lord Hollingford/Williams: Rob Marland Dick Hayward: Ryan Cooley Hannah Oakes/Housemaid: SionedV Helen Kirkpatrick/Mrs. Brown/Mrs. Parkes: Lydia Housemaid 2: Hannah Mather Lady Guest: Heather Masters Major Coxe/Old Mr. Silas: Alan Mapstone Maria: Miriam Esther Goldman Marie-Aimée Scherer/Mrs. Goodenough/Lady Mary Cuxhaven: Carol Eades King Miss Dorothy Browning: Michele Eaton Miss Goodenough/Jenny: Woolly Bee Miss Hornblower/Mrs. Dyson: Gemma L Myers Miss Phoebe Browning: Maria Kasper Mr Ashton/Mr.Roscoe/Banker: DomBombadil Mr Coxe: BeniaminoMassimo Mr Hall: Algy Pug Mr Robert Preston: Brett W. Downey Mr Sheepshanks/Robinson: Mike Pelton Mr Wynne/Mrs. Dawes: Alex Lane Mrs Kirkpatrick (Cynthia's aunt): Dorothy Godfrey-Smith Mrs Silas/Dick/Groom/Mr. Kirkpatrick: Kimberly Krause Willie/Grandchild: Evie Maria Young Master Hamley: Zoe Trang : Audio edited by: Linette Geisel, K.G.Cross, Michele Eaton, Mary J, Kim, Bhavya, Mira Williams and VocalPenguin : Proof Listeners: Stav Nisser, Linette Geisel, Beth Thomas , MaxineMarie, Lynda Marie Neilson, VocalPenguin, Mira Williams and Bhavya (26 hr 8 min)

Chapters

Dramatis Personae

The Dawn of a Gala Day

A Novice Amongst The Great Folk

Molly Gibson's Girlhood

Mr Gibson's Neighbours

Calf Love

A Visit to the Hamleys

Foreshadows of Love Perils

Drifting Into Danger

The Widower and The Widow

A Crisis

Making Friendship

Preparing for the Wedding

Molly Gibson's New Friends

Molly Finds Herself Patronized

The New Mamma

The Bride At Home

Trouble At Hamley Hall

Mr Osborne's Secret

Cynthia's Arrival

Mrs Gibson's Visitors

The Half-Sisters

The Old Squire's Troubles

Osborne Hamley Reviews His Position

Mrs Gibson's Little Dinner

Hollingford in a Bustle

A Charity Ball

Fathers and Sons

Rivalry

Bush Fighting

Old Ways and New Ways

A Passive Coquette

Coming Events

Brightening Prospects

A Lover's Mistake

The Mother’s Manoeuvre

Domestic Diplomacy

A Fluke and What Came Of It

Mr Kirkpatrick Q. C.

Secret Thoughts Ooze Out

Molly Gibson Breathes Freely

Gathering Clouds

The Storm Bursts

Cynthia's Confession

Molly Gibson to the Rescue

Confidences

Hollingford Gossips

Scandal and Its Victims

An Innocent Culprit

Molly Gibson Finds a Champion

Cynthia At Bay

Troubles Never Come Alone

Squire Hamley's Sorrow

Unlooked-for Arrivals

Molly Gibson’s Worth is Discovered

An Absent Lover Returns

Off with the Old Love and On with the New

Bridal Visits and Adieux

Reviving Hopes and Brightening Prospects

Molly Gibson at Hamley Hall

Roger Hamley's Confession

Concluding Remarks