Katharine Hilbery navigates the rigid social expectations of Edwardian London while grappling with the conflicting demands of intellectual independence and romantic commitment. Katharine, the granddaughter of a famous poet, seeks to define her own identity away from the weight of her family legacy. She faces pressure to marry the conventional William Rodney, yet finds herself drawn to the more unconventional Ralph Denham. The narrative follows these characters through a series of social engagements and private reflections, examining the tension between public duty and personal desire within a strictly stratified society.

Readers and critics often note that this work represents a more traditional narrative structure compared to the author's later experimental novels. Discussion frequently centers on the deliberate pacing and the meticulous attention to the nuances of social interaction. Many highlight the effectiveness of the character studies, particularly how the protagonists struggle to reconcile their private thoughts with their public personas. The atmosphere of Edwardian London is rendered with precision, providing a backdrop that emphasizes the constraints placed upon the characters. Overall, the text is recognized for its examination of the complexities inherent in human relationships and the pursuit of individual autonomy.