Fordham's Feud

A sleek steamer glides across the crystal‑blue waters of Lake Léman, its decks awash with fluttering bunting and the chatter of a colorful crowd—American tourists with Gladstone bags, solemn Germans with field glasses, a lone Muscovite noble, and a throng of Britons each convinced they out‑number the rest. The polished saloon and open decks offer a breathtaking view of the snow‑capped Savoy Alps, while a mischievous dog wanders between the passengers, drawing the sharp‑tongued Fordham’s amused yet provocative commentary.

Amid the scenic splendor, Fordham and his friend Philip Orlebar spar with witty barbs, their rivalry hinted at by a teasing question about a mysterious woman aboard. Their banter sets the tone for a light‑hearted yet keenly observed portrait of early‑summer travel, where cultural quirks and personal pride promise a series of sharp encounters and comic misunderstandings that will ripple through the voyage.