4. The Prime of Life

Mr Mold has a surprising proposition for Harriet. But is it enough for the confirmed spinster?

Meanwhile Belinda spends time with a rather cryptic Henry ahead of Agatha’s return from Karlsbad with an old friend in tow.

Based on the novel by Barbara Pym

Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud

Harriet Bede ... Miriam Margolyes
Belinda Bede ... Hannah Gordon
Mr Donne ... David Holt
Henry Hoccleve ... Peter Jeffrey
Dr Parnell ... Benjamin Whitrow
Edith Liversidge ... Josephine Tewson
Theodore Grote ... Clive Merrison
Agatha Hoccleve ... Elizabeth Proud
Nat Mold ... Christopher Scott

Singers: Harvey Brough, Phyllida Hancock, Mary Lincoln

Musical direction by Malcolm McKee

Producer: Sioned Wiliam

First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.