Amberwell Author:D. E. Stevenson D. E. Stevenson describes an estate on the West coast of Scotland which belonged to the Ayrton family for generations, descending from father to son in an unbroken line. The property, situated in a fold of the hills, sloped gently down to the sea. It consisted of meadows and a little wood and some moorland. There was a well, bu... more »ilt of glowing yellow stone, which was fed by a spring and was always full of ice-cold water. The water itself was as clear as crystal but the reflection of the stone gave it the appearance of amber - hence Amberwell.
The story is concerned with the five young Ayrtons who grew up at Amberwell and played in the gardens and then ventured forth into the world - but the real 'hero' of the story is Amberwell itself. To each of the children, Amberwell meant something different, it influenced their thoughts and moulded their lives. (These young creatures were like the trees whose roots were embedded in Amberwell ground and whose leaves breathed Amberwell air). Roger loved the place dearly, he felt that it returned his love - as if it were alive.
To Connie it was merely a home to be proud of. Amberwell drove one of its children into a reckless marriage and healed another of his wounds ... and there was one of the children who stayed at home and gave up her life to keep things running smoothly in troublous times. She was always there to welcome the others when they returned and give them the old Scottish valediction, "Haste ye back."« less