It's August in the Barsetshire village of Worsted, and Richard Tebben, just down
from Oxford, is contemplating the gloomy prospect of a long summer in the paren
tal home. But the numerous and impossibly glamorous Dean family - exquisite Rach
el, her capable husband and six of their nine brilliant children - have come for
the holidays, and their hostess Mrs Palmer plans to rope everyone into performi
ng in her disastrous annual play. Surrounded by the irrepressible Deans, Richard
and his sister Margaret cannot help but have their minds broadened, spirits rai
sed and hearts smitten.
