The second book of Edith Nesbit’s "The Incomplete Amorist" shifts its focus to the charismatic and self-assured French painter, Gerald D’Arcy. Having successfully captivated the young and beautiful Eustacia Desmond in Paris, Gerald views the affair as a delightful and uncomplicated flirtation, a testament to his own charm and a pleasant diversion from his artistic pursuits. He is the "incomplete amorist" of the title—a man who enjoys the game of love but is incapable of, or unwilling to commit to, its deeper realities and responsibilities. He is amused by Eustacia’s innocence and sees her as a charming subject for his admiration. However, the plot begins to complicate his casual intentions. The steadfast English painter, Robert Vernon, who genuinely loves Eustacia, becomes a rival, forcing Gerald to confront a challenge to his pride. Furthermore, the consequences of his flirtation begin to extend beyond the Parisian studios, threatening to entangle him in a more serious commitment than he ever intended. Edith Nesbit delves into the psychology of the charming but shallow seducer, revealing the vanity and emotional carelessness that underpin his actions. This book explores the complications that arise when a game of love is mistaken for the real thing by one of the players, and how the "amorist" is forced to confront the potential fallout of his own insincerity.

Table of Contents:

- The Incomplete Amorist. Book 2. The Man (Full Story)