Thirkell welcomes us back to the beloved precinct of Barsetshire in this novel set in the mid-century. Old friends and new faces join the community conversation which ranges from Sir Cecil Waring"s plans for a home for boys of naval men killed in the war to the relocation of the Priory Preparatory School; from Charles Belton"s hesitant courtship and headlong marriage to the spoiled Clarissa Graham, and to Grace Grantley"s betrothment to Lord Lufton, with much discussion in between of gardens, dogs, and other country matters.The older generation observes the younger with affection and concern while the younger settles into its own middle age, its prospects still shadowed by the war and its aftermath. Thirkell"s marshaling of story across generations show- to quote her own praise of Lady Lufton- "all her excellent qualities to the best advantage."