Jane Austen Bedtime Stories

Now that Catherine has a new friend, her horizons are quickly expanding. Her meeting at with Isabella the pump-room brings new novels, new styles, even new ways of thinking of young men. Catherine's friendship with Isabella has made her time in Bath infinitely more pleasurable, and The Mysteries of Udolpho are a perfect distraction from the still-absent Mr. Tilney. As the two young women's friendship blossoms, let it carry you into a night of soft and relaxing sleep.

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Welcome to the Jane Austen Bedtime Stories podcast! Each episode is a section of a classic...

Emma, full of contrition for her behavior at Box Hill, calls on the Bates household early the next morning to make amends. When she arrives, she finds the ladies in disarray, because Jane Fairfax has surprised them all by agreeing to accept a governess position with one of Mrs. Elton's friends. Emma is truly sorry to hear it, regretting her own past cruelty, and seeing Jane's sincere distress at the thought of leaving her dear family. At least Emma's inquiries seem to have restored her to Miss Bates's good graces. Things are changing rapidly in Highbury, and as they...

Mr. Tilney is still missing, but Catherine and Isabella's friendship is quickly growing deeper. They bond over the many interests that unite young women, dresses, balls, flirtations, and most of all, novels. While some people may disparage novels, for our young heroine and her new intimate friend, they are the height of entertainment. Their new friendship is the highlight of Catherine's time in Bath so far, at least until Mr. Tilney returns, whenever that may be. As Catherine and Isabella grow closer, let their companionship accompany you into a night of peaceful sleep.

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Welcome...

It's time at last for the day Emma has long been awaiting: the visit to Box Hill. With their picnic baskets in tow, the Highbury set make their way to explore the nearby attraction. But the summer heat is getting to Frank Churchill, and he is still out of sorts. The party's lunchtime game takes a sour turn when, egged on by Frank, Emma takes her wit too far, injuring the good-hearted Miss Bates in the process. It's badly done, indeed, and Mr. Knightley lets her know it. Our latest Friday Favorites may be a difficult day for Emma...

After making her first real acquaintance in Bath, Catherine is eager to meet Mr. Tilney again, but he is nowhere to be found. But fortunately for both Catherine and Mrs. Allen, another set of acquaintances is on the way: the Thorpes. Mrs. Thorpe recognizes her old school friend Mrs. Allen, and they all soon learn that Catherine's brother is friends with Mrs. Thorpe's son. And best of all for Catherine, she soon becomes fast freinds with the eldest Miss Thorpe, Isabella. While she still misses Mr. Tilney, she's happy to have found a friend. As Catherine Morland's Bath circle...

The weather is getting warmer, and that means it's the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. When the initial plan of going to Box Hill is delayed, Mr. Knightley invites a party of friends to his home at Donwell Abbey to partake in his bountiful strawberry harvest. Mrs. Elton quickly tires herself out, Mr. Woodhouse spends his time indoors with a fire, and Jane Fairfax departs Abbey early, just as Frank Churchill arrives late and out of spirits. It's an eventful afternoon for everyone, and this week's Friday Favorites takes us around the Highbury set, so let their...

After a week in Bath, Catherine Morland has finally made an acquaintance, and he's a delightful one. She's introduced to a young man named Tilney, who is lively, intelligent, and nearly handsome. He's a witty dance partner, and Catherine is smitten. Mr. Tilney's knowledge of muslins even charms Mrs. Allen. Meanwhile, Mr. Allen's inquiries leave him satisfied that Mr. Tilney is a respectable clergyman from Gloucestershire, and perfectly appropriate for his young charge. Things are at last looking up for our heroine, and as they do, let Mr. Tilney's charms bring you into a night of soft and restful...

Summer has arrived at Hartfield, and it's full of schemes and connivances, at least for Emma. But Mr. Knightley isn't so sure that her hopes will come to fruition. He's lately observed that there appears to be some sort of understanding, perhaps even admiration, between Frank Churchill and none other than Jane Fairfax. The more he sees, the surer he is, and he knows he must let Emma know his suspicions. But Emma will have none of it; after all, she's the one who is a keen judge of character, not Mr. Knightley. Our latest Friday Favorites brings another...

Armed with advice from her mother and ten guineas from her father, Catherine Morland is ready to set off on her journey to Bath with the Allens. But when they arrive, they realize that it will be harder than they realized to fit in. Though they are well-dressed, thanks to Mrs. Allen's fashion sense, they have no acquaintances in Bath. Catherine's first ball involves more watching from the sidelines than dancing with handsome men. But at least she overhears some gentlemen calling her pretty, which is more than enough to keep her in good spirits for now. As Catherine...

Harriet has recovered from her unfortunate run-in after the ball, and with her recovery has come a new mental clarity. She is at last completely over her attachment to Mr. Elton. To mark the end of her affection, Harriet has come to Hartfield to participate in the time-honored tradition of burning her mementos of her former beloved. Emma is both shocked and bemused, not realizing how deep Harriet's attachment really was. But when Harriet mentions that her affections have shifted to her rescuer from the night of the ball, Emma is delighted, though she promises not to interfere. This...

Catherine Morland may not have been born to be a heroine, but she's about to find out what it's like to become one. She has emerged from a childhood filled with dirt, sports, and other tomboyish pursuits into an adolescence of novels and poetry, perfect preparation for a soon-to-be heroine. All that remains is for her to find a hero, which is hard to do in her small Wiltshire village of Fullerton. Luckily, the Morlands well-to-do neighbors, the Allens, invite her to accompany them to Bath, which is the perfect place for a young lady to find some adventure...

Emma is still buzzing from the wonderful night at the Highbury ball, when Frank Churchill and a dazed Harriet show up on her doorstep. She soon learns the whole story: Harriet was attacked by ruffians on her way home from the ball, and was saved by the dashing Frank. Emma knows better than to intervene with Harriet again, but after such a heroic rescue, who wouldn't fall in love? Our latest Friday Favorites sets Emma's matchmaking instinct off once more, and as it does, let her schemes fill your mind and take you into a night of restful slumber.<...

We've once again made it through another novel, and we're back in your feed to announce what's coming next!

We're so grateful for your continued support as we made our way through Sense and Sensibility, and we're thrilled to announce that our next bedtime stories novel will be: Northanger Abbey!

As the weather becomes cooler and the nights get longer, Jane Austen's foray into Gothic fiction will be the perfect cozy companion for those long winter nights.

We're taking this Monday off to prepare...

With Frank Churchill back in town, there is at last nothing to prevent the long-awaited Highbury ball from taking place. Though Frank is noticeably cooler towards Emma than before, it doesn't bother her too much, because her night is full of laughter, dancing, and lots of chatter from Miss Bates. And when Mr. Knightley gallantly steps up to save Harriet from a terribly rude snub from Mr. Elton, Emma is delighted. The two end the night dancing together -- what more could Emma ask for? This week's Friday Favorites brings a beloved Highbury highlight, and as it does, let...

At long last, the Dashwood sisters' is coming to a close. Edward and Elinor are married and settled at Delaford, allowing Marianne to get closer to Colonel Brandon and deepen her own attachment. Meanwhile, the Ferrars family reconciles in its own way, allowing Edward, Robert, and Lucy back into the fold. Even Willoughby's story gets a conclusion, unsatisfying as it may be for him. It's time to leave our characters to their happy endings, and as we do, let them accompany you one last time as your make your way into a night of restorative sleep.

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This week's Friday Favorites brings us the final stretch of Emma's Hartfield dinner party, and Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton have found each other for a lively conversation. That is, if you consider Mr. Weston musing about his son while Mrs. Elton puts on airs as lively. Nonetheless, it's an entertaining exchange, and it's the source of the most important development of all: the news of Frank Churchill's returning to town. As the party concludes and the Highbury set prepare for the return of a favorite acquaintance, let them help you conclude your week with a night of warm...

Upon learning of his freedom from Lucy Steele, Edward's immediate destination was Barton, to seek Elinor's hand in marriage. With his objective achieved at last, the two lovers are free to reflect on the past and plot what is to come. Meanwhile, Colonel Brandon has also returned to Barton to seek Marianne's affections, leaving Mrs. Dashwood's cottage full of love and happiness. Colonel Brandon and Edward, soon to be connected in more ways than one, form a steady friendship. All that remains is to figure out what Elinor and Edward will live on; but Robert's marriage to Lucy leaves...

With the meal concluded, the ladies make their way to drawing room for post-dinner conversation. Mrs. Elton, ignoring Emma entirely, focuses all her attention on Jane Fairfax, eager for an early intervention to help Jane secure a position as a governess. But Jane is determined to wait until summer, and steadfastly refuses Mrs. Elton's help. Meanwhile, Mr. Weston joins the party after a day out in London, and he has some exciting news to share. As the Hartfield dinner party continues, let the familiar conversations soothe you as you drift into soft and restorative sleep.

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Elinor must come to terms with Edward's marriage to Lucy. That's what she's trying to convince herself of, when none other than Edward himself shows up at the Dashwoods' doorstep. They all believe he must be at Barton to break the news himself, and so they wish him and Mrs. Ferrars joy. But their wishes are met with confusion, and then the realization that they have been misinformed. Lucy Steele has recently been married, but she is now Mrs. Robert Ferrars, not Mrs. Edward Ferrars. The emotions that Elinor has been keeping inside finally erupt to the surface in...

Mrs. Elton continues to be the talk of the town in Highbury, and Emma, not to be outdone, arranges a dinner party for her. The dinner also gives Emma a chance to make good on her renewed desire to be a friend to Jane Fairfax by including her in the party. When they all discover that Jane walked to the post office this morning in the rain, it quickly becomes a hot topic of conversation. Emma is convinced that Jane's determination to fetch her own letters is a sign that she's hearing from someone dear to her, though she...

Back at Barton, the Dashwoods come together to reflect after Elinor tells her family of what was said during Willoughby's visit. Marianne is slowly understanding that Willoughby would never have been a good match for her, though it takes her time to come to terms with the realization. Elinor helps as best she can, but her calm is suddenly disrupted when the Dashwoods' manservant comes home with news of seeing the new Mrs. Ferrars in Exeter. It's the moment Elinor has been dreading, and though her emotions may be less visible than Marianne's, they are no less strong. It's...

Mrs. Elton is settling into Highbury, and has yet to give Emma any reason to reconsider her initial opinion of her. In fact, Mrs. Elton fixes on another young lady as the target of her attention, none other than Jane Fairfax. What is most surprising to Emma is that Jane Fairfax seems to go along with it, even though Emma is sure she knows better. A discussion with her friends Mrs. Weston and Mr. Knightley reassures Emma of one important thing, however, that Mr. Knightley seems uninterested in Jane Fairfax as anything other than a friend. This week's Friday...

Marianne's recovery continues, and the Dashwoods are at last able to depart Cleveland and make their way back home to Barton. Illness has made Marianne more reflective than usual, and she is sincere in her desire to improve herself and express gratitude to her loved ones. The contrition convinces Elinor that it is all right to tell Marianne about Willoughby's visit and the feelings he expressed about his own role in the matter. The conversation overwhelms the still-delicate Marianne, and she needs to take time to rest and recover. As she does, let the latest chapter in her story...

Highbury has a new resident, and she is certainly something. At long last, Mr. Elton's bride has arrived, and Emma finds her positively insufferable. Between Mrs. Elton's comparisons between Highbury and her brother's estate, Maple Grove, her insistence that she and Emma start a musical club, and her overly familiar way of speaking about Emma's friends, Emma is hard-pressed to find a single redeeming quality. This week's Friday Favorites brings another memorable character into the fold, so join Mrs. E as her introduction helps relax you into a night of warm and peaceful sleep.

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Willoughby may be gone, but Colonel Brandon and Mrs. Dashwood have arrived, and they are thankful to hear that Marianne is on her way to recovery. And Mrs. Dashwood brings even better news: Colonel Brandon has confessed his love for Marianne. She is delighted that such a kind and honorable man is in love with her daughter, and is sure that Marianne will be happier with Colonel Brandon than she ever would have been with Willoughby (who she always found suspicious, of course). It's a family reunion for the Dashwoods, and as mother and daughters finally reconnect, let their...

Frank Churchill has left Highbury, leaving Emma to contemplate her feelings. Could she be in love? Emma is unconvinced of her own feelings for Frank, though it's evident that he has clearly formed an attachment to her. And an offhand comment in his latest letter suggests that he could be convinced to have some affection for Harriet, which is a comfort to Emma, because Mr. Elton's wedding date has finally been set and his bride will soon be coming to town. As Emma reflects on one departure and prepares for a new arrival, let her story in this week's...

Willoughby has arrived at Cleveland, and he is demanding to be heard. Though Elinor is skeptical, she gives him a chance to tell his side of the story. He is apologetic in his own way, confessing his real love for Marianne, while feeling constrained by circumstances to enter into a loveless marriage. All Elinor can do is listen as he tells his story of woe and lost love. It's an engrossing tale, so let Willoughby charm you one last time as his story takes you on your way into another night of soft and peaceful sleep.

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Preparations are well underway for the Highbury ball when Frank Churchill receives an unexpected summons back to Enscombe. The news is a shock to everyone, and Frank dolefully calls on his Highbury friends: Miss Fairfax and the Bateses, and Miss Woodhouse, of course. Emma is surprised by how genuinely heartbroken Frank seems to be leaving, and realizes he must be more in love with her than she thought. But life in Highbury must carry on, and as it does, let this week's Friday Favorites help you carry on with your night into a state of warm and relaxing sleep. <...

Marianne is still unwell, and her illness is worse than everyone first thought. When the apothecary mentions an infection, the Palmers quickly set off to protect themselves. Mrs. Jennings is convinced of the worst, while Elinor does not allow herself to imagine such an outcome. But when Marianne becomes feverish and delirious, they send Colonel Brandon to fetch her mother. Eventually, her recovery takes a turn for the better, and Elinor is relieved. And the upturn is just in time for the arrival of a carriage outside. But to Elinor's great surprise, her mother hasn't arrived; the visitor is...

It may be possible to do without dancing entirely, but now that Frank Churchill has gotten a taste of dancing in Highbury, he wants more. That's why he's taken it upon himself to plan a ball, and he's enlisted the help of Emma and the Westons to make it happen. After considering Randalls, he realizes that the Crown Inn is perfect for his plans, and all that's left to do is work out the details. An Austen ball is always comforting, and this week's Friday Favorites sets plans for a Highbury ball into motion. As it does, let this...

At long last, the Dashwood sisters' time in London is coming to a close. After a brief goodbye to John and Fanny, they join Mrs. Jennings, Colonel Brandon, and the Palmers in making their way to Cleveland, the Palmers' estate. Upon arrival, Marianne immediately leaves the party to walk about the grounds in solitary reflection on all that has happened to her. But when the weather turns rainy, Marianne's long walks leave her with the beginnings of a bad cold. Luckily, Cleveland is a perfect place for rest, relaxation, and recovery. As everyone takes some time to slow down...

After their outing in Highbury, Emma and Harriet join Frank and Mrs. Weston at the Bateses' to hear Jane Fairfax's new pianoforte. Frank openly speculates on the nature of the gift, which they presume is from the Dixons, and his manner seems too open for Emma, until she notices Jane's attempts at hiding a smile. Could Jane have hidden feelings? Emma isn't sure, but the reappearance of Miss Bates and a chance encounter with Mr. Knightley distract them all. As our protagonists continue their afternoon in Highbury, let their story in this week's Friday Favorites help you settle in...

Edward and Lucy are delighted by the news of Colonel Brandon's offer of a living, and with their situation seemingly resolved, Elinor decides it's time to pay a visit to those who are still suffering: John and Fanny Dashwood. Her brother is utterly amazed that Colonel Brandon would give away such a valuable living for free. They are soon joined by Robert Ferrars, who is both amused by and sympathetic towards his brother's plight. Fanny eventually deigns to join them and she is so shaken by the affair that she is cordial to Elinor, a true surprise. As Edward's...

After an eventful evening at the Coles', Emma is ready to take some time to slow down and reflect on the experience. Her afternoon outing into Highbury with Harriet is the perfect opportunity. While Harriet is buying ribbons, Emma observes the comings and goings around town, till she is interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Weston and Frank. They are headed to the Bateses' to hear Jane Fairfax's new pianoforte, and when Miss Bates hears that Emma and Harriet are nearby, the two young women have no choice but to join them. This week's Friday Favorites brings a simple...

After Colonel Brandon departs, Elinor has the unenviable task of telling Edward of his offer. She decides a letter is best, but before she can sit down to write, Edward himself arrives at her door. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, his gratitude toward Colonel Brandon, and toward Elinor, is sincere, and they part on good terms. All that's left is to clear up Mrs. Jennings's conjectures and misunderstandings of the whole situation, which brings some levity to the otherwise heavy afternoon. As Elinor's story progresses, let it help you on your way into another night of soft and...

Frank Churchill is back in Highbury, and it's just in time for the dinner party at the Coles'. The party is abuzz with the news that Jane Fairfax received a surprise gift: a pianoforte, delivered to the Bates's home. Everyone is convinced that it's a gift from the Campbells, but Emma isn't so sure. She thinks the gift could be a sign of affection from Mr. Dixon, and Frank Churchill seems to agree with her. But that's not the only thing on Emma's mind. Her flirty banter with Frank is interrupted by Mrs. Weston's suggestion that none other than...

Marianne is itching to leave London, so the Dashwoods make a plan to travel back home by way of Cleveland, the Palmers' estate. There are just a few more weeks for them in London, but before they leave, Colonel Brandon stops by to convey some unexpected news. He's heard of Edward Ferrars's plight, and is able to offer him the living at Delaford. Though it's not much, the romantic Colonel wants to do his part to help the ill-fated lovers. Elinor is shocked, yet pleased on Edward's behalf. As she processes this unforeseen development, let her thoughts comfort you...

After just a few days in Highbury, Frank Churchill jets off to London for a day, merely to have his hair cut. To Emma, that conveys a bit of foppery, but all young people have their little whims, after all. At least Frank's absence gives her time to consult with the Westons about whether to accept an invitation to dinner at the Coles. The Coles made their fortune through trade, so it would be most appropriate for Emma to refuse their invitation ... but it is so thoughtfully given, and all her dearest friends will be there. The Westons advise...

Things have settled down for Elinor and Marianne after the initial commotion upon the reveal of Edward and Lucy's engagement. A beautiful spring afternoon brings Elinor and Mrs. Jennings out to Kensington Gardens, where they meet up with the elder Miss Steele, who is eager to share the latest. According to her, Edward and Lucy will not break their engagement, despite Edward's loss of fortune, and he plans to join the clergy as soon as he can find an open living. A letter from Lucy confirms that she plans to stand by her man, and she asks Elinor and...

Emma is joined by Frank and Mrs. Weston on a walk through Highbury, and it's the perfect opportunity for the two handsome young people to get to know each other better. Frank's delight with Highbury seems genuine, and Emma is thoroughly charmed. Frank even drops some juicy gossip about Jane Fairfax -- what more could Emma want? This week's Friday Favorites brings Emma and Frank closer, and as it does, let it bring you closer to a night of peaceful slumber.

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Welcome to the Jane Austen Bedtime Stories podcast! Each episode is a section...