"Parlous Times: A Novel of Modern Diplomacy" by David Dwight Wells is a fictional work set around the early 20th century. This novel revolves around the complex world of modern diplomacy, weaving themes of intrigue, personal relationships, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. The story opens with Colonel Darcy, a British officer newly married and burdened by a conspiracy that threatens both his honor and position. At the start of the novel, the tension arises as Colonel Darcy encounters a mysterious stranger who presents him with a corrupt opportunity involving a bribe to sway government officials regarding a pending treaty. This meeting hints at a larger political scheme, foreshadowing conflicts that intertwine with personal stakes. Alongside Darcy's tumultuous situation, the narrative introduces other key characters, including Inez De Costa, his wife, who feels trapped in a dismal marriage, and Aloysius Stanley, a secretary in the South American Legation, whose affections are torn between societal expectations and his feelings for another woman, Miss Fitzgerald. The opening chapters establish a rich tapestry of intrigue and personal conflict against the backdrop of diplomacy, setting the stage for deeper explorations of character motivations and moral complexities. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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