Dead Men's Shoes Volume 1 Chapter 9 - Uncle Trenchard

In which we are introduced to the exacting and fastidious Stephen Trenchard, a self-made millionaire recently returned to England to enjoy the fruits of his labour amid the orderly splendour of his gardens and household; his affection for his niece Marion is contrasted with his growing curiosity and admiration for the elusive Sibyl, whose unexpected arrival stirs new interest and subtle rivalry. The scene is set with a delicate interplay of familial affection and social ambition, as the old gentleman's keen eye marks both the state of his estate and the shifting dynamics of his youthful relations.