Through One Administration

In the early 1880s a newly commissioned officer, Philip Tredennis, arrives in Washington for a brief farewell visit that will linger far longer than he expects. Invited into the cultured world of Professor Herrick—a respected entomologist with a tranquil home and a scholarly wife—Philip is drawn into the genteel circles of the capital’s scientific and social elite. The professor’s quiet demeanor and devotion to his collections contrast sharply with the bustling life of the city, offering Philip a glimpse of a world where curiosity and decorum intertwine.

The story turns its focus to the Herrick family’s only daughter, Bertha, a young woman about to make her “coming‑out” debut. As the family prepares for her arrival, conversations about dresses, parties, and the expectations placed on a society lady reveal the subtle pressures of status and propriety. Philip finds himself navigating the delicate balance between his military duties and the alluring, yet constrained, world of Washington’s high society, setting the stage for choices that will shape his future.