The Arbiter A Novel

The Arbiter, by Florence Eveleen Eleanore Olliffe Bell, is a keenly observed novel of manners and clandestine intrigue set at the turn of the twentieth century. Blending history and literary insight with elements of spy stories, Bell weaves polite drawing-room banter and moral debate into a tapestry of hidden loyalties and social consequence. Through characters like the imperious Miss Martin, the self-satisfied Lady Gore, and the younger Rachel, The Arbiter explores themes of duty, reputation, authority and the subtle power plays that govern family and society. Written in 1901, the novel captures the transition from Victorian certainties to Edwardian ambiguity: an era when outward decorum masks private ambitions and whispered secrets can have political weight. Bell’s prose is both satirical and sympathetic, offering a portrait of class, gender expectations, and the quiet mechanisms of judgment that shape lives. Perfect for listeners of historical fiction and classic literature who also appreciate the slow-building suspense of spy stories, this audiobook rewards anyone who treasures finely drawn characters, period atmosphere, and the intelligence of a novel that examines how society appoints its arbiters.