The narrative "Prelude" chronicles the Burnell family's relocation from one home to another. As their belongings travel ahead, the Burnell women find themselves squeezed into a buggy, leaving no space for young Lottie and Kezia. Awaiting a later ride with the friendly grocery man, the children embark on their nocturnal journey into unfamiliar landscapes, a soft white house looming amidst a lush garden as their destination.

Arrival and Exploration

Upon entering the house, the glow from Kezia's lamp uncovers vibrant wallpaper adorned with flying parrots. The dining room, anchored by a fireplace, serves as the family’s gathering place. Though the windows remain bare, Beryl plans to dress them with red serge curtains by the next morning. Each room receives meticulous attention, from the four bedrooms upstairs to the servants’ quarters behind the kitchen. This detailed walkthrough paints a vivid picture of the house, right down to the nursery's fireplace and the children’s meal table. As Beryl and Mrs. Fairchild establish their routines, the house becomes oriented to its surroundings, harmonizing with the garden and celestial light. Gradually, the chaos of moving subsides as packing cases vanish, beds are arranged, and the kitchen finds order.

Domestic Plans and Garden Adventures

Future plans come into focus: Mrs. Fairchild anticipates making jam in the autumn, while Stanley envisions hosting colleagues for Saturday lunches and tennis matches. The children, released to the garden, mirror the household's rhythms in their play, which preludes their adventures beyond the garden's confines. The garden itself, described with the same care as the house, stands as a threshold to the mysterious bush beyond.

Beyond the Garden's Edge

Kezia ventures into the garden’s well-tended flowers and orchards, ever mindful of the mysterious beyond: the dark trees and strange bushes that stir fear. Stanley, traveling through the bush at dusk, is gripped by panic, eased only by Linda’s comforting voice assuring him of order at home. In Linda, two contrasting realities coexist, suggesting life as a mere prelude to the inevitability of death.

Linda's Enigmatic Presence

Hints of Linda's possible pregnancy echo through the narrative, though never explicitly stated. Stanley’s gift of oysters, which Linda carefully sets aside, is recalled when a servant girl reads a dream book, advising avoidance of shellfish by those expecting. Linda’s detachment from household duties underlines her role as a creator, distinct from her mother and sister who engage in organizing the household and nurturing the children. More often, Linda is secluded, whether in her room or the garden, absent from family meals or when Beryl and Stanley engage in cribbage. Her attire, unconventional compared to the other women’s, cloaks her in a shawl or blanket, evoking a romantic aura that hints at the deeper feminine mystique linked to creation. This alludes to the archetype of the mother-goddess, intertwined with the moon and earth.

Stanley and Solar Symbolism

In contrast, Stanley embodies the sun's energy. On the first morning in the new home, he stands bathed in sunlight at its very center. This initial image grows more significant as the household's daily activities revolve around him and his departures. The horse and buggy's preparations echo the sun’s diurnal journey, marking his daily passage. The day’s events build toward his return, casting the evening in a bright, metallic glow.