Against the Tide

by H. (Henry) Bedford-Jones

"Against the Tide" by H. Bedford-Jones is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book primarily revolves around the characters Dorothy Deming and Reese Armstrong as they navigate personal and financial tumult and their impending marriage, set against the backdrop of business dealings and societal expectations in early 1920s America. The narrative hints at themes of ambition, loyalty, and the moral challenges posed by business. The opening of the novel introduces the Deming mansion, alive with excitement in anticipation of Dorothy's wedding to Reese Armstrong. However, this merriment is overshadowed by a brewing storm—both literal and metaphorical—as Lawrence Macgowan, a close friend of the groom, expresses concerns about the pressures of finance on Armstrong. As the festivities progress, a telegram brings troubling news about the Deming Food Products Company, leading to the postponement of the wedding. Macgowan, aware of deeper issues at play, urges Dorothy to manage her soon-to-be husband's priorities, setting the stage for a narrative that intertwines personal relationships with the cutthroat world of business.