At the Relton Arms

"At the Relton Arms" by Evelyn Sharp is a story set around the turn of the century that kicks off at a lively gathering in a musician's studio, buzzing with a blend of eager students and polite guests. The story revolves around the relationship between Digby Raleigh, a dedicated musician, and the free-spirited Lady Joan Relton, as their initial encounters spark a series of events exploring themes of love, artistic dreams, and the heavy weight of social rules. Readers are thrown into a world where Digby charms his students with his musical ideas, while the headstrong Lady Joan shakes things up with her untraditional views and dares to confront Digby. Their spirited debates highlight the clash between their individual beliefs and the strict expectations of their world. As the night goes on, the pressure between what they want and what's expected heats up, especially as new figures show up, adding layers to the complicated web of relationships and setting the stage for tough moral choices down the road.