Summary

The first chapter begins in 1914, when Margery is still a little girl. She lives at a rectory in the English countryside, alone with her father and mother. Her brothers are all off fighting in the war. Her father, Reverend Tobias Benson, loves her dearly and is greatly attached to her. One day, he shows her a book of magical creatures. He tells her that it is possible that some of these creatures exist. After all, there are people who swear to have seen them. Margery is particularly mesmerized by the golden beetle of New Caledonia and vows to find it someday. The reverend leaves to answer the knock on the door. He learns that all four of his sons have been killed while fighting in the war. He shoots himself.

Chapter 2 picks up in the year 1950. Margery is a teacher in London. The...