A Summer Story

An educated London barrister whose romance with Megan exposes him to life beyond his social circle. He is courteous and idealistic, yet driven by a longing that clashes with practicality. His choices propel the plot toward separation, regret, and an eventual tying of fate to Stella.

A warm, steadfast village girl who takes care of Ashton and answers his affection with hope. She waits for him at their rendezvous, holds onto love despite uncertainty, and ultimately bears a son before dying soon after his birth. Her memory anchors the emotional arc of the story.

Megan's wary cousin who resists refined men and wants Megan for himself. He embodies rural suspicion of outsiders and acts as a foil to Ashton's romantic ideals. His opposition highlights the clash between desire and local loyalties.

Eldest sister in the Halliday family who initially draws Ashton with flirtation and charm. She later becomes his wife, representing social savvy and stability within the Edwardian milieu. Her presence reframes the love triangle into a more secure social arrangement.

A farm hand who befriends Megan and Ashton, serving as a practical link to rural life. He embodies loyalty and the down-to-earth perspective of the Dartmoor community. His memories help anchor the story’s sense of place and history.

A figure in Megan's world who grounds family ties and rural values. She supports Megan within the local community, reflecting the care and duty that define village life. Her presence underscores the stakes of leaving home for love.

One of Stella's sisters, part of the close-knit Halliday circle that populates the seaside and village settings. She contributes to the social ambience around Ashton and the Halliday siblings. Her role helps illustrate the group dynamics of the era.

Another member of the Halliday siblings, adding to the household and social network that frames the romance. He is part of the backdrop against which the central lovers' choices unfold. His presence completes the family dynamic in Torquay and Dartmoor.