Set against the backdrop of early 1900s high society in the Northeast USA, Robert Kimberly tells the gripping story of a close-knit circle of affluent couples who indulge in lavish gatherings filled with dance, drink, and conversation. At the heart of this elite group are Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles, executives of a powerful conglomerate dominating the sugar refinery industry. Esteemed for his integrity and leadership, Robert remains unmarried, dedicating his time to caring for his ailing oldest brother with the assistance of a Catholic monk. The arrival of Alice McBirney and her husband from the Midwest shakes the dynamics; he has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and Alice finds herself the object of Roberts intense affection. Despite her awareness of his feelings, Alice is determined to maintain a platonic friendship, viewing the prospect of infidelity as an abomination, even though her own marriage is fraught with unhappiness. The novel explores profound themes such as the sanctity of marriage, class relations, labor versus management, and the complexities of divorce, ultimately leading to resolutions that are anything but happy. Interestingly, Frank Spearman, known for his Westerns, diverges from his usual genre with this compelling romance, which many consider his finest work. (Summary by Bob Rollins)