The sudden inheritance of a substantial fortune by Dudley Gaveston disrupts the delicate power dynamics and financial dependencies within his brother's household.

As Dudley navigates his newfound wealth, he finds himself entangled in the complex, often manipulative social rituals of his extended family. The narrative follows the shifting alliances and power struggles as family members attempt to secure their own interests in light of the changing economic reality. The story is presented through a rigorous, dialogue-heavy framework that exposes the underlying tensions and unspoken motivations of the characters. The physical and logical constraints of the world are defined by the rigid social expectations and economic pressures of the English upper-middle class.

Discussion often centers on the author's unique ability to render domestic life as a series of calculated verbal skirmishes. Readers frequently highlight the stark, almost theatrical quality of the dialogue, which serves to strip away the veneer of polite society. Critics often note the clinical precision with which the narrative dissects the moral failings and petty cruelties of the characters. The balance of the work leans heavily toward character study and social commentary rather than traditional plot progression. Many readers find the atmosphere claustrophobic yet compelling due to the relentless focus on the internal mechanics of the family unit.