Miss Bracegirdle Does Her Duty | Stacy Aumonier | A Bitesized Audiobook

Millicent Bracegirdle has led a sheltered life, the unmarried sister of a rural clergyman. When she is obliged to travel abroad for the first time, to France, a trivial mistake in her hotel has unfortunate consequences, placing her in an extremely compromising situation...
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me:
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction and background notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope
00:00:53 The Story begins
00:46:21 Credits and thanks
Stacy Aumonier (1877-1928) was an artist, actor, essayist and author, best known for his highly regarded short stories. He was described by his contemporary John Galsworthy as "one of the best short-story writers of all time". He was born in London into an artistic family of Hugenot descent, his father William Aumonier being a well-known architectural sculptor and his uncle James Aumonier a celebrated landscape painter. After finishing school at Cranleigh in Surrey, Stacy initially followed in their footsteps as a visual artist, exhibiting paintings at the Royal Academy on a number of occasions in the early 1900s.
Stacy married Gertrude Peppercorn, a well-known concert pianist, in 1907, and it was after his marriage that he began to develop a new artistic career as a writer and performer of his own sketches. His stage performances were incredibly popular, and when he was called up for service in World War I (at the relatively late age of 40, in 1917) he gave his occupation as "Actor and writer". He was soon to become extremly acclaimed in the latter field, publishing six novels and volumes of essays and sketches. But it was his short stories - about 90 in all, published in numerous contemporary magazines and periodicals between 1915 and 1929 - that earned him his highest praise, and on which his reputation really rests today. His style is most often compared to the 19th century French author Guy de Maupassant.
Aumonier began to suffer from tuberculosis in the mid-1920s, when he was in his late 40s, and spent the last few years of his life in sanatoria in England and Europe. He died at a sanatorium in Geneva in December 1928, aged just 51. He was survived by his wife, their son Timothy (born 1921), and his stories, which his friend Galsworthy wrote at the time would ensure that "he will outlive nearly all the writers of his day."
'Miss Bracegirdle Does Her Duty' was first published in The Strand Magazine in September 1922, and appeared in book form the following year in a volume of Aumonier's collected stories entitled 'Miss Bracegirdle and Other Stories'. The story was adapted for television as a 30 minute episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' in 1958.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2022.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:53 The Story begins 00:46:21 Credits and thanks Stacy Aumonier (1877-1928) was an artist, actor, essayist and author, best known for his highly regarded short stories. He was described by his contemporary John Galsworthy as "one of the best short-story writers of all time". He was born in London into an artistic family of Hugenot descent, his father William Aumonier being a well-known architectural sculptor and his uncle James Aumonier a celebrated landscape painter. For those who'd like to read further, I've put some more detailed biographical notes in the video description.

[@grimtt]

Thank you for the timestamps! I really like the forwards that you do with bio’s and synopses, both written & voiced!

[@susangordon1153]

Entirely too cute of a story! This is nothing at all like stories I am naturally drawn to and would select for myself. In fact, I would have passed it by completely had it not been for Simon narrating it and what a wonderful story I would have missed! Thank you Simon for saving me from my own short sightedness. ❤

[@JTA1961]

Same here...excellently put.

[@Lemma01]

We've been there...🥰

[@Maintain_Decorum]

Exactly!!Simon’s clever curation of the stories he reads make the all worth a listen!! This character’s ability to overthink is genius!! 👏🏻📖

[@PippaAT]

I cannot begin to express just how much your readings have added to the happiness of my life. Heartfelt thanks. 😊

[@joycarmichael1476]

Ditto 💞

[@malcolmbooth6148]

What a fun little story. I loved that line "It was her duty not to have her head chopped off, if it could possibly be avoided".

[@elizabethman7313]

‘…. dying just before teatime’ slays me!

[@tomatoangel1]

How lovely. Miss Bracegirdle had herself an adventure and proved herself, ultimately, resourceful. She had led a restricted life (how could she not with a name like that?) and I hope she'll have more adventures. 😀

[@scathatch]

Yes. Ultimately she grew in stature from the experience. Such a delightfully quirky and proper lady who found within herself the capacity to withhold facile judgements, the discretion of whom to share her experience with, to query her upbringing , and the presence of mind and resourcefulness to get out of an intolerable situation . Wouldn't it be lovely to see her grow through other tales.

[@lunaxx4119]

Miss Bracegirdle needs her own series of stories I think...in which she unwittingly becomes involved - and probably has a hand in solving - macabre crimes!

[@robertbrown6930]

Well Miss Bracegirdle is now in the public domain, so no reason why not!

[@mariameere5807]

I thought it was hilarious and I really agree with you!👍💛

[@scathatch]

beneath that rigidly demure and proper exterior lies a tiger of resource, wisdom and discretion.

[@billtomson5791]

Something on the spooky side would be delicious!

[@thethirdchimpanzee]

Google "Misses Bracegirdle's Night of Fear"

[@nancynickerson4341]

This was charming, thank you Simon. I thought I had heard the surname "Bracegirdle" before. Sure enough, the Bracegirdles were Hobbits of the Shire.

[@JonFrumTheFirst]

I was wondering where I had seen the name.

[@smythharris2635]

Related to the 18th century actress, Anne Bracegirdle, by any chance?

[@shannondore]

Millicent Bracegirdle! What a great name. I think next time they ask me my name at Starbucks I'm going to say "Millicent Bracegirdle"😆 Thank you for this fun but intense story Simon. I had a rough day (not as rough as Millicent's) and needed a escape. This did the trick. Hope you have a great holiday. Enjoy the break, you deserve it.😊

[@charliesmith_]

💜 with you on that!!! Isn't it faaaaab!

[@bluegreenglue6565]

What a jolly story! Wodehouse comes to mind. Thanks so much!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

I found myself smiling all the way through! Thank you for another story by someone I don't think I've heard of.

[@along5925]

Simon, have a wonderful holiday. Don't worry about anything at home.. We, your faithful viewer fans will keep an eye on the store for you! We'll miss you but realize you must rest up that wonderful silky voice once in awhile. Enjoy.

[@evelanpatton]

I love the French music at the beginning/end- just perfect & lovely! It reminds me a bit of R. Dahl’s darker stories. That pleasant twist that teaches one deeply about one’s self & others like no other experience could do. I just love all the info & research you put in the text under the video. Truly, an amazing time period to be alive & write, make art, be creative. I hope we get to hear more from this author on your channel! Thank you so much! 🪷

[@irenabevans3411]

The coyness of Millicent although reflective of the period, was quite comedic in the situation she found herself in, then her deliberation on whether or not to enlighten her brother to the facts or not, must have been quite a conundrum for her, well she certainly had an adventure !! both unexpected & one of secrecy for life, thoroughly enjoyed the tale & as ever your excellent narration, Thank You

[@macummings7818]

Exactly The juxtaposition of her absolute earnestness and total ridiculousness - just too much! 👏👏👏

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Hi, Simon. A story I haven't heard or read narrated by the BEST story teller on the internet. What fun!!! What type acting do you do? Any of that on the internet anywhere? You are a blessing, Simon. Someone I think I would like to know. Thank you for the stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your lovely comments Tammy. Pre-pandemic my main work was in theatre, with little bits of TV, radio and film along the way. Now audio is my main work! But I'm enjoying it immensely (though I do miss the theatre, and hope to get back there soon....)

[@SophieBird07]

What a fun story. So descriptive. I felt like I was right there in the middle of the panic. I often fall asleep through most stories and have to back track, but listened straight through this one.

[@exileinderby51]

What a lovely story Simon with a little twist in the tail. Not what I usually listen to but I'm glad I did

[@kaf890890]

Oh, poor Miss Bracegirdle: it’s so cringeworthy! Will I make it through to the end!? 😬

[@carolynlewis9008]

This is my favorite story that Alfred Hitchcock put a new spin on as well! YOURS IS MY FAVORITE SIMON!

[@shannondore]

I need to find that episode. Do you remember the title of it?

[@lunaxx4119]

Oh really?! They are currently showing his series on sky arts (in the uk). Would be fun to catch this episode

[@hannahreynolds7611]

I love the little twist about doing "her duty" - it took me a while to work it out, and I'm a vicar!

[@SeshatTravels]

I first read this story in middle school, which would be about 50 years ago now. How absolutely lovely to hear your rendition of it! Delightful.

[@gordonandtamarakirkham543]

Delightful listen and delightfully read. You're the best, Simon!

[@julielevinge266]

Yet another quirky little story I’ve never heard before. Many thanks for posting this before your family break,hope you have a wonderful time & thanks again for giving me so many new literal gems to enjoy.✊♥️😊

[@mjrchapin]

Lovely to have another story from you, with all the attending information. I had never heard of this author. Perhaps one day the heroine will tell her grandchildren about her adventure!

[@mathangelaz5799]

On pins and needles, excruciating, exquisite!

[@stoiccalm8348]

Its not what I expected... It also showed the power of prayer... A most intense adventure inside a room.. relieved that it has a happy ending...wow.. Thank you ❤❤.

[@earthcat]

Just what I needed. Thank you Simon 🌺

[@billtomson5791]

One of the most amusing and thoroughly entertaining short stories I've ever heard. It was as if I was right there with her. Thank you, Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening Bill, glad to know you enjoyed it!

[@purplecleo]

Simon, the changes you've added to the channel including the introduction to what you do here, how you present the stories, the little musical touches....really nicely done. I think it's made your channel even better and I've been a fan for a long time!

[@wendyhoadley9236]

I’m not sure how a google search on Stacy’s sister, Minnie Aumonier (poet and painter) led me here but it was great to discover a Stacy Aumonier short story in excellent audio. The Aumoniers were an extraordinary family of talented artists, craftspeople, actors and writers. It’s hard to comprehend just how famous Stacy Aumonier was for his short stories in the early 20th century, and how almost completely forgotten he is today.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm glad you found your way here! Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment

[@tzaph67]

A real little gem of a story! I love those stories where not a lot actually happens eventwise but lots happens in terms of the changing awareness of the protagonist. I’d love you to do some more stories like this, thank you so much 😊 Also I consider myself quite well read but had never heard of this author before!

[@Aiko2-26-9]

I adored this story of a proper British lady. Such fun.

[@mariameere5807]

Love it love it love it! Thank you so much Simon- you just get better & better!🌟

[@thehobbyzoo6124]

Delightful thank you Simon

[@chimera8421]

To night’s delight. Looking forward to bed time. Thank you Simon. 😘

[@patriciaapetrone]

That was a lot of FUN. Thank you!

[@chuzzthefuzz1908]

Thank you so much for this! As usual, you read it beautifully and with subtle humour. I lay in bed and laughed and laughed - a real gem.

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Magnifique, cher Simon. Ooh la-la-la la-la la-la-la-la-la!❤

[@phoenixchi64]

Love all your narrations Simon... Thank you x

[@josephineboyd1753]

I absolutely love listening to you narrate these wonderful stories Simon. This Story was wonderful ! I too start saying my Prayers when things go wrong ! 😊 Please Stay Reading to Us Forever ! xx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Josephine! I'll do my best!

[@JD-cw4qg]

love this story Simon , did he write more like this as it would be great to listen to them

[@BitesizedAudio]

He certainly did write many stories, and I hope to read some more of them in the future. Thanks JD

[@billtomson5791]

@@BitesizedAudio Yes, please.

[@northernlights8126]

A charming story, very witty.Beautiful narration by Simon.

[@synesthete23]

What a quaint story! Thank you Simon for picking the best ones to delight your readers. 🎩 I’m off to find that Hitchcock adaptation 😁

[@jimmillward3505]

that was great fun and beautifully read Thank you.

[@jeffashley5512]

The Victorian/Edwardian Era's have always fascinated me whether decor, art, literature. Love your storytelling and painting the picture within each story. Blessed Be from Tennessee. )O(

[@macummings7818]

I'm so moved! 😳😍🤯 What an excellent character study of a plot! Brilliant.

[@snippycutwell9878]

The very brave Miss Bracegirdle! Thank you.

[@marathorne6821]

Delightful story, masterfully narrated! Thank you, Simon 🙏

[@quinbenson]

Thank you Simon for making me step out of my usual paths. A nicely read and nicely written piece with an unexpected intensity - it takes me back to the Morning Story on Radio 4, circa nineteen seventy-cough😄

[@adriennedunne1748]

That was a great story. I laughed out loud. What a callous creature I've become!!!😂 Poor Miss Bracegirdle. She's a terrific character. What a brilliant author Stacey was, may he rest in peace. My grandfather also died of TB although it was in the 1950s when he was in his fifties. Thanks for these stories Simon. You really do read them so very well.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Adrienne

[@rozdoyle8872]

Fab story , Thank you , I am so glad the little lady had the wherewithal to Brace her Girdle and get herself organised despite that shocking ordeal .

[@atalanta283]

I think this has got to be my favorite of all of your recordings, both because of this hilarious, charming story and your performance.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@Maud87]

“It is that which takes place in the heart”….. Simon, a heartwarming story and, as always, your voice,- companion of winter evenings.

[@spiralrose]

Thanks! I’ve been watching for your next installation.

[@lyndaa7560]

How times have changed, loved this & your narration, Many thanks Simon xx

[@jimmyhand1259]

Having finished Christmas at Thompson Hall and then listening to Miss Bracegirdles predicament, I can't help but note the similarities of these charming short stories.

[@grimtt]

Haha, nice! 😄Tongue in cheek but the author plays it straight, without an exaggerated wink to the audience! (I also feel Simon takes the same approach in rendering the narration)👍 I’d love to read on to see how this episode affected her going forward… Lovely as always, Mr Stanhope!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks @grimtt, glad to know you enjoyed it

[@carolinel7027]

Simply the best storytelling..your voice is so soothing. Background music and really good wee stories. Thank you.x

[@lynncasassa7712]

Love the accordion music, very suitable for such a tale.

[@eliasblum753]

This was very amusing. A farce really, a comedy of manners, a satire on the stiff respectability and moral anxieties of the age. So different, in subject matter, from the weird and spooky tales I would normally read or listen to, but somehow aligning with them in terms of style and era. Excellent choice. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's great to know, thank you Elias. Yes, it's interesting that this story has over the years gained a reputation as something of a "suspense classic" (even inspiring Hitchcock) when on the surface it appears to be something quite different. Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephaniealeman8522]

💚”History she liked, and botany, and reading about strange foreign lands”💚

[@Brookeloun]

One of my favorites you have narrated. A pleasant cute story!

[@shirleypearl2166]

What a absolute little gem thank u Simon 💜😀

[@OssamabinKenny]

This was a completely different story from what I had imagined. Admirably executed.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@njgrandma3519]

This is hilarious and reminds me of Mr. Pickwick entering the wrong room at the inn.

[@ramanaraokamaraju6945]

The story and narration are very gripping indeed!

[@juliehobbs7938]

Oh yes, and I love all of Simon’s narrations. I am a huge fan.

[@martiwilliams4592]

Delightful! Thank YOU!!😊

[@katyvdb5993]

Simon, what an enchanting story! Such a resourceful little lady in a situation that might give even a Modern Woman pause, and so morally generous and upright. I had heard of this story - O. Douglas refers to it in her novel 'Eliza for Common' (published 1928) so it is a particular pleasure to be able to hear it and cross-reference it with the novel.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Katy. I've heard of O Douglas but don't know that novel. How interesting!

[@gabyshepherd8855]

Brilliant! 👏Both the story and the reading performance.🌸 Thanks. Waiting for the next ones.

[@jjpetunia3981]

Marvelous reading. Spot on! So enjoyable

[@nancyM1313]

Just made 5:03 😃 and its Exactly what I hoped for. Had a most stressful day and thought how about a cuppa with dear Aunt Jane, maybe Hercule Poirot? Would be nice to sit and (politely) stare. Lol! Oh, well... here we are in the present. Tyvmuch👑💕👑

[@whousay4672]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thanks

[@jackalina91]

Such good fun. Thank you Simon.♥️🇦🇺😎

[@beverlyadams7205]

Delightful! More like this please.💕

[@toya876smith4]

Thank you

[@terranovarubacha5473]

This is just begging to become a full-length novel

[@krishnasen397]

An interesting story, beautifully narrated as always. Thanks Simon Sir

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, thanks for listening and for your kind comments

[@goodintentions1302]

Thank you for the excellent narration of this delightful story!

[@roderickfernandez5382]

All I can say is I was a nervous wreck during his entire episode with her under the bed when she get out would she not get out of course I knew she would thank you

[@Lillyburn]

That story made me chuckle.. loved it , thank you. 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

You’re welcome 😊 Glad you enjoyed it

[@djr1943]

Well done! Tjank you for a most enjoyable story.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Marvellous! Bravo as always Simon. Xxxx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Laura

[@dainhuston]

It almost could be a scene play for Hyacinth Bucket ,Keeping up appearance’s LoL

[@borneoorchid]

This is hilarious! I switched off some violent tv drama to listen to this story and it is both soothing and amusing!

[@simoneclift3155]

Fabulously charming. Thank you. X

[@clairegreenaway9653]

Thanks so much for this story Simon, I so enjoyed it 😀👍

[@caroleminvielle9554]

Brilliant story, brilliantly performed.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Carole, appreciated

[@peadarmacconnmhaigh4337]

What a wonderful story!

[@jdsteppenzyde]

One of your best, I believe.

[@scathatch]

A truly delightful comedy. Thankyou and the writer.

[@anou8210]

Thankyou, you are brilliant! As soon as I can afford to, I will show my gratitude by joining your channel. Much love 🌈🌞❤️👍

[@MrDarman210]

Aspiring voice-actor here! I came here to hear the correct pronunciation of the author's last name for a Librivox recording I'm finishing. When I'm done, I'll be sure to come listen to the rest of your work.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for dropping by! And good luck with the recording... which story are you reading? I'd like to do some more Aumonier at some point

[@mijiyoon5575]

How awful😳😰the experience of Miss B ... not the narration 😉nice outro score *TY Simon*

[@lillykay1037]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Poor Miss Bracegirdle's imaginings. Thank you.

[@heatherbooth6615]

Absolutely hilarious Thank you so much.

[@rakellcolotta3675]

I love your voice and how you read each story. I’m new to your channel and I’m quite enjoying it.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I really dig the music for this one. And I love your informative intros. Great job.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Kitty, much appreciated

[@catherinedavies3727]

Enjoyed this!

[@bonniemerchant9692]

Charming. Much like the baroness Orczy tale of the mustard plaster

[@douglasstenson6851]

Thank you Simon