The Green Carnation

The Green Carnation, first published anonymously by Robert Hichens was a scandalous novel whose lead characters are closely based on Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas – also known as "Bosie", whom the author personally knew.

Lord Reggie Hastings slips a green carnation into his evening coat before attending a dinner party at Belgrave Square. He converses with Mr. Esmé Amarinth, a married playwright, and Lady Locke, a young widow.

Some days later, Lord Reggie, Lady Locke, and Amarinth are guests at Mrs. Windsor's home in Surrey. Lady Locke is initially attracted by Lord Reggie, but becomes increasingly disturbed by his wearing of the green carnation and what it symbolizes about his attitude to life. Lord Reggie tells her that Esmé invented the flower, and that it is only worn by a few people who are followers of "the higher philosophy".

Lord Reggie is not looking to marry, but he decides that the good natured and wealthy Lady Locke would make him a useful wife. Yet although she is still fond of the gentleman, she has realized their incompatibility. At the end of the novel, she firmly rejects his proposal, telling Lord Reggie that he should never ask another woman to marry him so long as he wears a green carnation.

Lady Locke then decides to take her young son Tommy to the seaside. Meanwhile, Lord Reggie and Amarinth return to London together.