Synopsis Pretty, impecunious Mary Preston, newly arrived as a guest of her Aunt Agnes at the magnificent wooded estate of Rushwater, falls head over heels for handsome playboy David Leslie. Meanwhile, Agnes and her mother, the eccentric matriarch Lady Emily, have hopes of a different, more suitable match for Mary. At the lavish Rushwater dance party, her future happiness hangs in the balance... My Thoughts
I think I may be one of the few people that did not fully appreciate the comedy or the romance in this novel. Having enjoyed High Rising, the first book in the series, I looked forward to this one. Although it started promisingly when Lady Emily and her family are introduced through the observations of the local vicar, I didn't take to any of the characters, except Lady Emily and perhaps the butler, but more of him later.
Lady Emily is constantly meddling, rearranging where no rearrangement is necessary, causing a disturbance where ever she goes, even in church. Beloved by the family, this behaviour is tolerated and often looked on with amusement. She still mourns her first born killed during the first world war and wishes that kind-hearted and reliable John, the second son, now a widower, would find love again. I did like Lady Emily, and the love and respect her family and staff showed towards her.
David, the youngest son, is not dependent on the family for money. He lives the life of a playboy, but occasionally lands a job which he quickly abandons. He is inconsiderate and unreliable, but his good-humour ensures that no one remains angry at his behaviour for long. And because of his good looks, many young women fall for his charm, as does naive Mary Preston. He is hero-worshipped by Martin, his sixteen-year-old nephew, for all the wrong reasons.
Apart from other family members, there are additional quirky characters. These include the French family who rent the vicar's house, another possible love interest for David, and a serial freeloader who none of the family likes and tries to avoid whenever he comes to stay.
The inclusion of a political stunt at Martin's birthday party fell flat and could have been eliminated without detriment to the plot. The romance “triangle” was resolved quickly at the end, but failed to convince me that this was a grande passion, especially on Mary's part as David was her focus throughout the story. Even the family was misled, although delighted at the outcome.
Now getting back to Gudgeon the butler, his great moment comes in the final scene when he enthusiastically sounds the gong, which Lady Emily never hears but does this time. It was an amusing and satisfying ending to a novel that I can't decide whether I really liked or not.
The next book in the series is The Demon in the House.
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