Denis Stone is an introspective, aspiring poet who arrives at Crome, the country estate of Henry Wimbush and his wife, for a house party. His primary motivation is his infatuation with Anne, Wimbush’s niece, who is not as enamored with him due to their age gap. This gathering becomes a turning point for Denis, where he grapples with unrequited love, the complexities of social interactions, and a quest for self-identity.

The Characters of Crome

Denis finds himself amidst a diverse group of guests. Mr. Wimbush, a historian at heart, is deeply engrossed in the chronicles of Crome and its past inhabitants. His wife, a flamboyant character with likely dyed red hair, has a penchant for astrology. Her recent winning bet on horse racing, guided by celestial insights, fuels her enthusiasm. Among the guests are Gombauld, an artist commissioned to paint Anne; Mr. Scrogan, a man of unsettlingly rational ideas; Jenny Mullion, who is hearing impaired; and Mary Bracegirdle, preoccupied with her own Freudian dreams. Denis's heart remains fixed on Anne, yet her treatment of him is far from tender, dismissing his romantic advances as childish.

Philosophical Disputes and Romantic Missteps

As Denis and Anne engage in a debate about life's philosophies, their differing perspectives create a rift. Denis tends to view life as a weighty burden, whereas Anne advocates for accepting things as they come. This ideological clash prevents Denis from confessing his love to her. Meanwhile, Mary Bracegirdle, caught in her own romantic pursuit, oscillates between Denis and Gombauld, hoping to secure one as her partner. Unfortunately, her timing is consistently poor, catching Gombauld engrossed in his art and Denis consumed by jealousy over the attention Anne gives the artist.

Unexpected Arrivals and Secret Rendezvous

Ivor Lombard, renowned for his ethereal artwork, makes an appearance. His presence shifts attention, particularly towards Mary, who is intrigued by his mystique. Ivor's secret nightly visit to Mary in the tower culminates in nothing further, leaving their interaction brief and enigmatic.

Stories from the Past

Mr. Wimbush frequently gathers the party to regale them with tales from Crome's history, a project he has dedicated three decades to. Although Denis is captivated by these stories, his thoughts often drift back to Anne. During a solitary garden walk, Denis stumbles upon Jenny's red notebook, filled with satirical sketches. Her caricatures depict Denis in various comical scenarios, shedding light on his insecurities and awkwardness. This revelation bruises his ego and forces a confrontation with his vulnerabilities.

The Charity Fair's Unease

At the charity fair hosted on Crome's grounds, Denis faces further disillusionment. Despite being an official, he finds himself with nothing to do. In stark contrast, Mr. Scrogan excels as a fortune-teller, Jenny entertains with her drumming, and Mr. Wimbush oversees the races. Gombauld continues his artistic endeavors, sketching the fairgoers, with Anne remaining loyally by his side.

A Night of Misunderstandings

Later that night, Denis inadvertently eavesdrops on a conversation between Anne and Gombauld. Unaware that Anne has decided to choose him over Gombauld, Denis misinterprets their interaction and falls into despair, questioning his life's purpose. The weight of his perceived failures leads him to consider a drastic action: suicide by jumping from the tower.

Crossroads at the Tower

When Denis reaches the tower, he encounters a despondent Mary, lamenting over a curt postcard from Ivor. Sharing their sense of loss, Mary persuades Denis to abandon his pursuit of Anne, convincing him that both their futures are bleak. Yielding to this counsel, Denis fakes a telegram summoning him urgently back to London. However, as he prepares to leave, he is taken aback by Anne's apparent sorrow at his departure. This moment of departure, ironically his first decisive action, becomes the catalyst separating him from Anne, leaving Denis to ponder the path not taken.