The House by the River

"The House by the River" by A. P. Herbert is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a close-knit community called Hammerton Chase, where residents gather at the Whittakers' home to discuss life, art, and domesticity. Central to the narrative is Stephen Byrne, a successful poet whose seemingly idyllic life begins to unravel after a tragic incident involving their maid, Emily Gaunt. At the start of the story, the Whittakers' Wednesday gathering is underway, filled with discussions and socializing among the guests, as Stephen Byrne arrives home in high spirits after a successful evening. However, the atmosphere shifts drastically when a heated encounter with Emily results in her unintended death. As Stephen grapples with the implications of his actions, his friend John Egerton arrives, and they are thrown into a frantic situation where they must cover up the incident. The opening highlights the stark contrast between the ordinary social life of Hammerton Chase and the dark turn of events that challenges both Stephen's morality and his sense of normalcy.