Only an Incident

Joppa, a tiny summer resort perched far from the main rail lines, prides itself on being the very centre of the world for its residents. Its genteel streets spill into a constant whirl of picnics, teas, and lively parties, drawing strangers who quickly become part of the town’s endless cycle of hospitality. With four churches, spotless morals, and a reputation for health that borders on the legendary, the community lives as if it were a self‑contained paradise.

When the young Rev. Denham Halloway is called to lead St. Joseph’s, his arrival stirs the quiet confidence of Joppa like a meteor crossing a clear sky. Handsome and eager, the new minister forms an immediate friendship with Phebe Lane, a well‑liked local girl, prompting the townsfolk to whisper good‑naturedly but without scandal. Their budding connection promises to ripple through the tightly knit social fabric, setting the stage for the summer’s most talked‑about events.