Explore "The Peacock of Jewels" by Fergus Hume on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
The ancient village of Belstone, hidden in a fold of low-lying, undulating hills, is inhabited chiefly by agricultural laborers. One irregular street, four or five narrow lanes, and a few behind-the-time shops, together with many small cottages, constitute this sequestered hamlet. There are a great number of farms and several country seats in the district, but those who own them usually buy the necessaries of life at Lewes, so Belstone cannot depend upon trade for its support. The villagers, however, do not mind this neglect, as they are sleepy-headed and indifferent to all, so long as they earn sufficient for bed and board. The sole houses of any note are the vicarage at one end of the village, and the great mansion of the Inderwicks at the other. Formerly the owners of The Monastery-as the place is called-were Lords of the Manor, but, as their property has dwindled to a few acres, the title has passed to a modern and more prosperous family.
The Inderwicks, formerly so rich and powerful, are now of small account amongst the gentry of the county.