'Thirkell's particular gift is for getting to the heart of a character in one clever, wicked sentence . . . delightful studies in an English way of life long gone' Guardian
As the wedding of Lucy Marling and Sam Adams approaches, the county of Barsetshire is aflutter. With preparations to make, and Lucy's brother Oliver still moping after glamorous Jessica Dean, Mrs Marling calls for reinforcements. Help arrives in the form of charming writer Isabel Dale, still mourning the loss of her fiancé on D-Day - and in need of her own fresh start. Meanwhile, social barriers are crumbling at Omnium Castle, where theatrical rehearsals are bringing together the newly married Brandons and the Duke's impoverished children, Lady Cora and Lord Silverbridge. The stage is set for a season of new alliances, old friends and second chances.