Greg's casual interest in the history of a ruined mansion becomes more personal as he slowly discovers the tragic events that occurred there. Set against a background of the present day and World War I, Greg's modern bel...Greg's casual interest in the history of a ruined mansion becomes more personal as he slowly discovers the tragic events that occurred there. Set against a background of the present day and World War I, Greg's modern beliefs become intertwined with those of edmund, a foot soldier whose confusion about his sexuality and identity Mirrors Greg's own feelings of insecurity.