The rat trap

In the glittering marble hall of the Hôtel Continental, Ostend, two Englishmen—young stock‑exchange hopeful Claude Peyton and the worldly, inherited‑fortune traveler Frank Aylmer—observe a bewitching newcomer in a mauve bathing wrap. The mysterious Mrs. Quentin, newly arrived with her older husband and a close friend named Martin, instantly captivates Aylmer with her graceful poise and effortless tango steps. Their casual conversation hints at hidden currents: Aylmer’s curiosity about the woman’s background and the subtle rivalry budding between the husband and his companion.

As the resort buzzes with gambling, dancing, and the promise of seaside leisure, Aylmer’s recent inheritance from a distant, eccentric relative places him in a precarious position among jealous kin. The chance encounter with the enigmatic duo sets the stage for a game of charm, suspicion, and unexpected alliances, all unfolding against the sun‑splashed backdrop of continental high society. Listeners will be drawn into a world where wealth, desire, and intrigue intertwine from the very first act.