The year is 1905 and King Edward VII has invited himself and his mistress to a s
hooting weekend with the Dilbernes. Now Isobel, the Countess, must turn a run-do
wn mansion into a palace fit for a king. Just as well the family fortunes have b
een restored, but money can't solve everything...not even a kidnapping.
The s
ervants refuse to condone the King's morals; Isobel's daughter, Lady Rosina - no
w widowed and wealthy - insists on publishing a scandalous book, and the mis-spe
nt pasts of Viscount Arthur and his Irish-American wife Minnie rear up to blacke
n the family name. When fate deals a hand in the middle of the shooting party, I
sobel must consider not only her leading position in Society, but her entire fut
ure. Fay Weldon brings an aristocratic Edwardian household to fabulous, vibrant
life in this gorgeously witty tale of manners and morals, commoners and countess
es, from one of Britain's best loved authors.