
Nick Lansing and Susy Branch are two impoverished members of high society who marry with a pact to live off the wedding gifts and hospitality of their wealthy friends for as long as possible. Their plan relies on a mutual agreement to part ways if a more profitable marriage opportunity arises for either partner. However, their nomadic existence across European villas becomes complicated when Susy assists a friend in concealing an extramarital affair. This moral compromise triggers a rift, forcing Nick and Susy to confront whether their genuine affection for one another can survive without the financial cushions provided by their social circle.
Readers who enjoy social satire and intricate character studies of the Jazz Age find this book informative regarding the period's class dynamics. It appeals to those interested in the logistical realities of maintaining a high-status lifestyle without personal wealth. The reader gains a clear understanding of the tension between individual integrity and social convenience. By the end, the audience sees how the pursuit of material security can fundamentally alter the terms of a romantic partnership and personal identity.
- Published
- 1922
- Language
- EN