In The First Year, the Whistler introduces us to Lydia Winters, who is about to marry Elliot Larkin. Their union is complicated by Lydia's uncle, Philip, a lawyer who disapproves of Elliot and has crafted a will that could either reward or ruin them. The will stipulates that if Lydia and Elliot can live together for ten years, they will inherit a substantial sum. However, if either of them dies during that time, the survivor receives the entire amount. This arrangement sets the stage for a marriage fraught with tension and ulterior motives.