In the 17th volume of the beloved Barsetshire series, widowed Margot (Phelps) Macfadyen is in search of a house. As she calls on her numerous friends, readers find themselves in the midst of another Thirkellian social whirl. When the dust settles, Teddy Parkinson is installed in his new vicarship, Mavis owns a washing machine, and Tubby Fewling has regained Margot's heart....

Angela Thirkell (1890-1961) wrote 40 novels of life and love, most set in the imaginary country of Barsetshire, England. Among discussions of gardens, dogs, and pressing issues of economic and political import, Thirkell details everyday personal concerns of her characters--revealing that human nature really hasn't changed much over the course of a century....

The capable and forthright Lydia Merton, wife of the esteemed Noel Merton, chairs the local committee preparing for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. What follows is pure Angela Thirkell - squabbles, jealousies, and high jinks aplenty. As always, romance brews amidst the eccentricity....