Summary

In “The Children,” the protagonist is a married man named Fielding. He arrives at his lake house, where he is surprised to see Jennie Taylor, the daughter of Fielding’s friends. Jennie is a college student, and she and Fielding once had sex together. Fielding admits that he plans on leaving his wife (Raye) for his mistress, Eleanor, who is a local swimming teacher. Jennie comments that Eleanor will likely want children. Jennie’s parents are divorced, and her father is now unhappy. Jennie says that her father will probably try to persuade Fielding not to leave Raye. Fielding’s son Gavin arrives at the house, and Fielding realizes that Gavin is in unrequited love with Jennie. Raye arrives soon after. Fielding acts awkwardly, and Raye and Gavin soon think that Fielding and Jennie are having an affair. Jennie easily...