Helen with the High Hand

By: Arnold Bennett

Narrated by: Peter Newcombe Joyce

Bennett described his story as an 'idyllic diversion'.

Helen Rathbone meets her elderly uncle, James Ollerenshaw, in Bursley Park, after an estrangement of several years. Both are very strong-willed, independent characters. Helen has an extravagant lifestyle and likes to spend money while the old man has lived a thrifty life and intends to continue in the same way. However, they develop a friendship which progresses rapidly, and Helen moves in to James' house to look after him.

A battle of wills begins in earnest. Both use all the cunning and emotional blackmail they can muster to get their own ways, and both experience a transformation as romance comes knocking at the door.

A wonderfully humorous and observant study of human nature and life in the Potteries at the turn of the century.

Public Domain (P)2015 Assembled Stories