Marriage and Infidelity

The book explores a hollow marriage where Ivy is unfaithful with multiple men (Roger Gretorex and Miles Rushworth), using her husband's illness and death as opportunities to pursue her own desires without genuine loyalty.

Ivy's flirtation with Rushworth and her secret relationship with Gretorex strain her marriage to Jervis.

Ivy, though married to Jervis, pursues an emotional and potentially romantic relationship with Rushworth, while Rushworth considers marrying Bella.

The central conflict revolves around Rushworth's love for a married woman and his promise to avoid such entanglements, highlighting the tension between desire and marital vows.

Ivy's affair with Gretorex and her emotional infatuation with Rushworth highlight her marital discontent.