The Village

The novel opens in the 1960s in a suburban English town, referred to as the Village. This is Paul’s hometown, and it is where he first meets Susan Macleod. Susan and Paul carry on a secret relationship for about two years. When Paul finishes college, Paul and Susan move to London to live together.

Tennis Club

Paul and Susan first meet at the local tennis club in the Village. They develop an immediate attachment, and Paul often drives Susan between the tennis club and her home. Eventually, this seemingly casual relationship develops into a romance. As their romantic relationship begins to be evident, the tennis club expels both Paul and Susan.

The Macleod Household

After Paul and Susan begin their secret relationship, Paul often spends time at Susan and Gordon’s house. Gordon is unaware of the relationship between Paul and Susan, and Gordon generally takes...