The Third Window

"The Third Window" by Anne Douglas Sedgwick is a story set in the early 1900s about Antonia Wellwood and Captain Saltonhall as they come to terms with their complicated feelings for each other. The shadows of Antonia's dead husband, Malcolm, loom over their budding connection. The story explores how love, loss, and complicated feelings affect people after they experience sadness. The book opens with Antonia talking about a window that looks out onto the garden, which sparks a talk between her and Captain Saltonhall. Through their conversations, their close, yet confusing relationship is revealed. They deal with Antonia's history and the heavy feelings she has about her dead husband. As they talk, the affection, sadness, and unspoken thoughts give the story a rich texture, drawing the reader into their world as they navigate the difficulties of love and loyalty.