On a dreary February day, amidst relentless rain, the protagonist drives from Center Point to Mountain Brook to fulfill her duty as a dog walker in the affluent Thornfield Estates. The journey begins at the Reeds’ household, where Mrs. Reed expresses a performative sympathy for the protagonist having to walk her collie, Bear, in such unpleasant weather. This act underscores the primary concern in Thornfield Estates: appearances.

Mrs. Reed’s disingenuous empathy contrasts sharply with the protagonist’s indifference towards her and the superficiality of the residents’ charitable endeavors, which seem more about social status than genuine philanthropy. The protagonist, equipped with a pragmatic army-green raincoat against the rain, sets out with Bear, pondering on the luxurious yet hollow lifestyle of her employers versus her own modest living conditions.

Her observations reveal a stark disparity; while every McMansion boasts lush backyards rendering dog walkers technically unnecessary, the demand for such services is driven by desire rather than need, highlighting the extravagance that defines the community. Not only does Mrs. Reed live in a lavish home far too large for mere inhabitants, but this opulence is mirrored throughout the estate. The protagonist reflects on her employment with various families within the neighborhood, such as the McLarens, the Clarks, and Tripp Ingraham, noting the token gestures of respect afforded to her as the help — a shallow attempt by the wealthy to assuage their guilt.

As she navigates the neighborhood, the contrast between the manicured perfection of Thornfield Estates and the drab reality of her apartment becomes evident. Despite her attempts to beautify her small, leaky apartment, it cannot compare to the vibrant, meticulously maintained homes she services. The neighborhood, alive with the buzz of maintenance crews, stands in stark opposition to her own simple existence. Even as she muses on the luxury of a Burberry jacket she saw at Mrs. Clark’s, the protagonist is sharply aware of the chasm between her world and that of her employers — a chasm underscored by her rain-soaked, pragmatic attire and a yearning for something better amidst the affluence that surrounds her.

In the opening chapter of “The Beasts of Tarzan”, the narrative thrusts John Clayton, Lord Greystoke—formerly Tarzan of the Apes—into a sinister plot brewed by his old nemesis, Nikolas Rokoff. The story unfolds in Lieutenant Paul D’Arnot’s Paris apartment, where Tarzan and D’Arnot learn of Rokoff’s escape from prison. Subsequently, Tarzan, who had brought his family to London to escape the rainy season in Uziri, decides to return to them, fearing Rokoff might harm his wife, Jane, or their son, Jack, to enact revenge.

Simultaneously, in a secluded cottage on the outskirts of London, Rokoff and his associate Alexis plot to kidnap Tarzan’s family as part of a deeper scheme for revenge and profit. A message soon disrupts the tranquility of Tarzan’s London home, informing him that Jack has been kidnapped, prompting a frantic return to rescue his child. Jane recounts the episode of Jack’s kidnapping—how a new houseman, Carl, tricked the nanny, leading to the baby’s abduction via a taxicab orchestrated by Rokoff and his associates.

Tarzan receives a mysterious call offering information on his son’s whereabouts in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Fearing a trap but desperate to find his son, Tarzan heads to Dover to meet the informant, secretly followed by Jane, who decides to act despite the potential danger. Once in Dover, Tarzan is led to believe Jack is aboard a steamer, but as he follows the informant’s instructions, he realizes too late that he has walked into a trap, becoming a prisoner aboard the ship himself.

This chapter is a tense setup for the ensuing adventure, illustrating Tarzan’s unwavering resolve amidst betrayal and his innate connection to his jungle-honed instincts. It adeptly positions family loyalty against a backdrop of sinister machinations, setting the stage for a gripping narrative of survival and vengeance.