 One of nine children, she was educated in London, Germany, France and the Channel Islands.Although a student of fine art, D'Arcy abandoned this career, allegedly on the grounds of poor eyesight, in favour of becoming an author.Living in London, and working as a contributor to, and unofficial editor of, alongside Henry Harland, the "Yellow Book", D'Arcy's work is characterised by a psychologically realist style – often attracting comparisons with Henry James – and her determination to engage with themes such as marriage, the family, deception and imitation.