When William Came

"When William Came" by Saki is a story set in an alternate early 20th century, following a German invasion of Britain that has drastically reshaped society. The narrative centers on Cicely Yeovil, who finds herself caught between her personal relationships and ambitions in this new, unsettling reality. As the story begins, Cicely and her friend Ronnie Storre anxiously await the return of her husband, Murrey, who's been away since the war began. Cicely worries that Murrey may not understand how much London—and her place in it—has changed under German rule, creating tension in her marriage, highlighting the struggle to find normalcy amid political upheaval, and presenting unexpected challenges for individual lives.