"At the Bay," a story written four years after "Prelude," functions as a natural sequel, continuing its predecessor’s exploration of the passage of time and daily life. The narrative is intricately woven with symbolic elements that enrich its themes, starting with the first light of dawn over Crescent Bay and culminating at the same day’s sunset. Through this one-day framework, the story delves into the rhythms and routines of the Burnell family's existence.

The Day Begins

As dawn breaks, the day for the Burnell family is meticulously chronicled, highlighting the symbolic progression of time. Stanley, the first to rise, heads to the beach for a swim, only to find his brother-in-law, Jonathan Trout, has beaten him there. Returning home, Stanley gets ready while Beryl and Mrs. Fairchild prepare breakfast. He allots exactly twenty-five minutes to eat with them and the children, while his wife Linda lingers in bed. After the morning’s chaotic energy, Stanley departs for work, leaving the children to their play and the women to savor another pot of tea. At precisely eleven, the household heads to the beach—everyone except Linda, who stays back in the garden with the new baby. The children frolic with their cousins, Rags and Pip, while Beryl, defying her mother’s wishes, joins Mrs. Harry Kember for a swim.

Afternoon Respite

Following lunch, an afternoon lull descends on the household. Mrs. Fairchild and the children take a rest, while Beryl washes her hair, preparing to join Mrs. Kember for a game of bridge. Alice, the family servant, takes her afternoon off to visit Mrs. Stubbs in town. Meanwhile, as the children play in the garden after their tea, Mrs. Fairchild tends to the baby's bath. Linda takes solace in a solitary walk around the garden, reflecting until Jonathan arrives to take the boys home and Stanley returns from the city. The day winds down with dinner, but for most, the evening signals an end to the day’s activities—except for Beryl.

Beryl's Day of Reckoning

Though "At the Bay" lacks a definitive protagonist, Beryl's experiences during this day position her as a central figure. Her journey is one of unsettling realizations and thwarted endeavors to carve out her own life and find a romantic partner. At breakfast, Stanley senses something amiss with Beryl, who is distracted and sharp with Kezia. Her spirits lift when she shares a moment of levity with a coach passenger, relishing her brief liberation from Stanley’s overbearing presence.

Seeking Independence

At the beach, Beryl defies her mother's expectations, stepping away from the family to accompany Mrs. Harry Kember. Attracted to Mrs. Kember's seemingly masculine traits, Beryl behaves with a mix of shyness and boldness. In an act of defiance against the other women, she confidently disrobes and joins Mrs. Kember in the sea. Mrs. Kember’s face, emerging from the water encased in a black bathing cap, strikes Beryl with a sense of awe and dread, reminding her of a sinister, ever-changing apparition.

Nighttime Fantasies

As night falls, Beryl retreats to her bedroom, replaying the day’s events in her mind. She reimagines Mrs. Kember's flattering words as those of an idealized lover. However, the intrusion of reality shatters her fantasy when Harry Kember appears. Beryl is caught off guard by his aggressive advances and retreats hastily indoors. This unsettling encounter with Kember turns her daydream into a nightmarish episode, highlighting the gap between her fantasies and reality.