The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 1 of 3)

"The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 1 of 3)" by Richard Dowling, set in the late 19th century, paints a picture of love weighed down by social class and personal demons. The narrative is centered around Eugene O'Donnell, the son of a rich businessman, the beautiful Ellen Creagh, and Dominique Lavirotte, a gorgeous foreigner bubbling with inner turmoil. The story starts with Eugene as he watches Ellen and Dominique on a boat, while he struggles with his feelings for Ellen, soon to leave for Dublin. Dominique's all-consuming love for Ellen is complicated by his jealousy of Eugene, leading to a tension-filled meeting. Their quarrel leads to an accident and a question mark that will affect their journey. It explores the complexities of their feelings, touching on themes of love, jealousy, and social limitations, suggesting a series of dramatic events in the future.