The Delafield Affair

"The Delafield Affair" by Florence Finch Kelly is a story from the early 1900s about a young man named Curtis Conrad, who is out for revenge on a rich guy, Sumner L. Delafield, because Delafield ruined his family. The book takes place in New Mexico and is filled with ideas about getting even, staying loyal to family, and how people relate to each other. Curtis is running a ranch and dealing with the challenges of a drought when the Bancrofts show up and bring some cheer into his life. He tells them he wants to go after Delafield, who hurt his family a long time ago, and that's why he wants revenge. The first chapter sets the scene for a story of intense feelings, complicated characters, and a big showdown that's about to happen, exploring ideas of revenge, giving up things for others, and how the past affects what's happening now.