His wife Beth, Tory's best friend, writes successful melodramatic novels, oblivious to household chores and the relationship developing next door. But their daughter Prudence is aware and is appalled by Robert and Tory's treachery. In this enchanting and devastatingly well-observed novel, first published in 1947, Elizabeth Taylor again draws an unforgettable picture of love, loss, and the keeping up of appearances. It was sensible of you. It was the best thing you could do, after all.
People do marry because they are frightened.
When he goes to Oxford she cherishes his photograph and waits for the letter which doesn't come. Then Charles enters her life, a solid and reliable solicitor, and Harriet stifles her imaginings. But when Vesey reappears, her marriage seems to melt into nothing. Harriet is older, it is much too late, but she is still in love with him. First published in 1958, this is Elizabeth Taylor's subtlest and finest work.