Hopes rise, only to be dashed again. Sir Philip and Anthony Stew return from Porthcawl and there a hints of things to come but no resolutions readily to hand.

In this chapter, Blackmore reminds us that fortune rarely favours his characters for long. Promises prove empty, expectations crumble, and the sting of disappointment leaves its mark. Yet within the frustration, we glimpse the persistence of those determined to keep going despite setbacks.

This chapter’s theme of disappointment mirrors the ebb and flow of coastal life in South Wales — where storms could undo a day’s labour and fortunes turned quickly. It’s a reminder of the resilience of communities who, like Blackmore’s characters, endured setbacks yet carried on.

More Dickens than a Ruth Jones’ page-turner or the historical drama’s of Netflix, the slow-moving narrative reflects the ‘serialisation’ form in which it was presented to its readers. Hopefully, the immersive audio format will help in ‘placing’ and ‘maintaining’ events that are slowly unfolding.

For listeners in Porthcawl, Kenfig, and the surrounding coast and countryside, this chapter reflects the ebb and flow of life itself — where every gain seems tempered by fresh trial, and endurance becomes its own quiet victory.