Lavinia Brandon is quite the loveliest widow in Barsetshire, blessed with beauty
 and grace, as well as two handsome grown-up children, Delia and Francis. So thi
nks their cousin Hilary Grant when he comes to stay and - like many before him -
 promptly falls for his fragrant hostess. Meanwhile, the Brandons' ill-tempered 
dowager aunt is stirring up controversy over her legacy, and Lavinia's attention
 is further occupied by the challenges of making a match between the vicar and g
ifted village helpmeet Miss Morris, and elegantly deterring her love-struck suit
ors.
Angela Thirkell's 1930s comedy is bright, witty and winning.