The year is 1903 and the Dilbernes are expecting royal guests. Edward VII and Queen Alexandra have invited themselves for a shooting weekend, and now the household is in a frenzy of preparation. Menus must be mouth-watering, fashions must be new, and children must be seen and not heard.
But there are problems upstairs and below. Lady Isobel is at war with her daughter-in-law over the upbringing of newborn James, heir to the Dilberne fortune. Her Spiritualist cousin Adela is stirring up hysteria amongst the servants with talk of curses and ghosts. And clever, progressive Rosina has finally admitted to falling in love.
This is a gorgeously witty tale of manners and morals, commoners and countesses, from one of Britain's best loved authors.
