For Mr Britling, eccentric and vivacious writer, the summer of 1914 consisted of long, hot days and luxurious house parties with a host of international guests to entertain him. And when he tired of this, he hopped across the channel where his devoted mistress was patiently waiting. But all this was about to change as Germany began marching into Belgium and Europe no longer provided the easy diversion he had so enjoyed. Mr Britling soon came to realise that this war was more than simply an inconvenience, and was a dangerous threat to those he loved. But all he could do was sit at home and wait.