"The Remains of the Day" is a depressing book (like many of Kazuo Ishiguro's novels).
(spoiler alert)
It is a story set in the post world war I era in which an English butler, Stevens, makes a long drive to visit his old friend, Ms Kenton, reminiscing along the way the times they had worked together at Lord Darlington's house.
Ms Kenton had been fond of Stevens, but Stevens had kept his distance as he believed that anything other than a professional relationship would be inappropriate. For example, when Ms Kenton revealed to him that her dearest aunt had passed away, Stevens displayed not a modicum of emotion. He left Ms Kenton in her room soon after, hesitating outside after he realizes he had forgotten to offer his condolences.
In a later episode, after Ms Kenton tells Stevens she is marrying an acquaintance, Stevens politely offered his congratulations before leaving the room, again displaying an emotionless facade.
True to her words, Ms Kenton moves out and marries, while Stevens concentrates on being the best butler he can be for Lord Darlington. He denies - strenuously - any regret.
