A rolling stone

In Short

A Rolling Stone is a lightweight Edwardian romantic comedy following Owen Wynyard, an impoverished upper-class young man with a knack for odd jobs, who takes a position as a chauffeur and handyman for the eccentric Parrett sisters in the quiet village of Ottinge. While driving an unreliable antique car and cleaning windows, Owen catches the eye of their spirited niece, Aurea Morven. Through mistaken identities, local gossip, and unexpected encounters with people from his past, Owen must endure his comical self-imposed servitude until his prospects change and he can win Aurea's hand.

The Story

The narrative begins in London, where the stylish Lady Kesters (Leila) frets over her charming but financially hopeless brother, Owen Wynyard. Having failed at cattle ranching, army life, and a stint as a ship's steward, Owen insists on outdoor labor over a desk job. Leila agrees to write him a reference for a position in the quiet country village of Ottinge-in-the-Marsh.

Owen takes a job under the name "Jack," serving the newly propertied Miss Parrett (Bella) and her warm-hearted sister, Miss Susan. The sisters have recently inherited money and bought back their ancestral Manor, along with an old-fashioned, unreliable motor brougham. Owen finds himself not only driving this breakdown-prone vehicle, but also cleaning windows, assisting in the garden, and fending off the unwanted attentions of the household cook and local village girls.

Life becomes complicated when Aurea Morven, the sisters' bright and attractive niece, comes to stay at the Manor. Owen is instantly captivated by her, while Aurea finds herself fascinated by the quiet, polished chauffeur whose hands bear the marks of manual labor. Complications escalate when past acquaintances spot Owen in his uniform. A lively former ship passenger recognizes him from his steward days, while a local soldier recognizes him as Lieutenant Wynyard of the Hussars. Later, a mentally deteriorating former acquaintance, Captain Jim Ramsay, recognizes Owen from his school and army days, causing a scene that Owen tries to deflect.

Despite the awkwardness of his class-crossing disguise, Owen proves indispensable. He works alongside the rustic gardener, Tom Hogben, plays for the village cricket team, and keeps Miss Susan satisfied on her outings to croquet tournaments. Throughout his trials, including brief stints with other eccentric employers like a theatrical actress and an heiress's family, Owen remains steadfastly devoted to Aurea.

Eventually, Owen's wealthy, difficult uncle comes round, appointing him as the agent for the family estate, Wynyard. With his true identity as "Wynyard of Wynyard" revealed and his financial future secured, Owen proposes to Aurea, who eagerly accepts, bringing a joyful end to his wandering days as a "rolling stone."

How It Unfolds

A London arrangement Lady Kesters entertains her brother Owen in her elegant London home, discussing his refusal to take a city office job and his preference for physical labor, leading her to draft a glowing reference for him as a respectable servant.

Taking the wheel in Ottinge Owen arrives in the rural village of Ottinge to serve Miss Parrett and Miss Susan, where he inspects their poorly chosen, ancient motor brougham and settles into modest village lodgings.

Domestic indignities Tasked with cleaning window casements and dodging the advances of the domestic cook, Owen considers quitting before Miss Susan intervenes with gentle encouragement.

A haunting from the past While playing chess in the local pub, Owen is confronted by the distressed Captain Jim Ramsay, an old schoolmate who recognizes him from their days in Lucknow, forcing Owen to deny his true identity.

Work and camaraderie Owen shares midday meals in a thatched tea-house with the unpolished gardener Tom Hogben, exchanging advice on village life while maintaining his refined manners despite his rough work clothes.

Secrets revealed Aurea Morven overhears a passing Hussar salute "Lieutenant Wynyard," confirming her suspicion that her aunt's quiet chauffeur is actually a gentleman living under an assumed name.

Reclaiming his place After his temporary exile ends and his inheritance prospects align, Owen sheds his chauffeur's livery, secures his position as his uncle's estate agent, and wins Aurea's hand in marriage.

The People

• Owen Wynyard: A handsome, easygoing gentleman who struggles with academic and office work but excels at physical labor, horse-handling, and driving. He wants to earn his keep honorably without relying on a wealthy marriage, and his willingness to work hard leads him to fall deeply in love with Aurea.
• Aurea Morven: The spirited, perceptive niece of the Parrett sisters. She wants a genuine connection rather than a mercenary match with wealthy suitors like Bertie Woolcock, and her sharp observation allows her to see through Owen's servant disguise.
• Lady Kesters (Leila): Owen's fashionable, clever sister who resides in London. She wants her brother to settle down and secure his future, acting as his co-conspirator by providing his employment references.
• Miss Bella Parrett: A rigid, newly wealthy woman who buys back her family's manor and expects strict discipline from her servants, often suspecting them of idling.
• Miss Susan Parrett: Bella's kindly, chatterbox sister who loves gardening and croquet, treating Owen with gentle consideration throughout his service.
• Captain Jim Ramsay: A broken, mentally unstable retired officer living in the village whose sudden recognition of Owen threatens to expose the chauffeur's real background.

In Its Own Voice

"I’d much rather wash plates! I want something that will keep me in the open air all the time, rain or shine; and if I had to do with horses, so much the better."

• Owen explains to his sister Leila why he refuses a comfortable desk job in the City.

"Why, if it wasn’t Owen, Miss Parrett’s chauffeur! The immediate result of this astounding discovery was a deadly and expressive silence."

• The villagers at the local inn catch sight of Lady Kesters smoking a cigarette while visiting her brother in secret.

"Make-believe! Employed! I should just think so--washing the car, gardening, clipping hedges, cleaning windows----"

• Aurea defends Owen's genuine hard work to her surprised aunt after his true identity is revealed.

What It's Really About

At its core, the novel examines Edwardian class boundaries, the dignity of manual labor, and the absurdities of social convention. Owen's journey exposes the artificial nature of class distinctions; though wearing a chauffeur's uniform and cleaning windows, his inherent manners and character remain unchanged. The story questions whether social status is defined by birth, wealth, or how one handles daily work. It also pokes gentle fun at the village gossip mill and the rigid expectations placed on young men of noble blood who lack traditional academic or business talents.

Why Read It Today

A Rolling Stone offers an entertaining, lighthearted slice of Edwardian fiction that will appeal to fans of classic cozy romances, upper-class comedy, and period village life. B. M. Croker writes with quick-witted dialogue and a sharp eye for domestic details, capturing the transition period when motor cars were first replacing horse-drawn carriages.

Readers should be aware of a few period-typical elements, such as occasional regional dialects, casual class prejudice from minor characters, and minor outdated phrasing. However, the novel moves at an easy, enjoyable pace. The satisfying romance, comedic workplace misunderstandings, and charming rural setting make it a delightful, comforting read.