Chapters 1-5 Summary

Chapter 1:

Major Ernest Pettigrew is a 68 year old widower living in Edgecomb St. Mary. Major Pettigrew served with the Royal Sussex during his time in the military. Pettigrew's father was a colonel in the military and served directly with the Maharajah in India. The Pettigrews cherish their pedigree. Major Pettigrew also served in India but did not attain the same rank or status as his father.

Major Pettigrew had been happily married to his wife, Nancy, who died six years earlier. The couple has one son, Roger, who came to them late in life. Nancy sought to spoil Roger while the Major preferred discipline. Roger has grown up to be self-important, self-indulgent, often thoughtless and disrespectful, particularly when it comes to the Major.

The Major lives alone at Rose Lodge. The cottage is a source of pride for the Major and...