December 1901: With London Society in a frenzy of anticipation for the coronation of the new king, Edward VII, the Earl and Countess of Dilberne are caught up in lavish preparations. Yet Lady Isobel still has ample time to fret, and no wonder with a new heir on the way, an elopement, family tragedy, a runaway niece, and a gaggle of fraudulent spiritualists to contend with... With her trademark joie de vivre, Fay Weldon once again draws her readers into the lives and loves of the aristocratic Dilberne family, as they embrace not only a new century, but a new generation - a generation with somewhat radical views...

The year is 1901 and London Society is in a frenzy of anticipation for the coronation of Edward VII. Lord and Lady Dilberne, their fortune restored by their son's recent marriage to a Chicago heiress, are caught up in the lavish preparations from their home in Belgrave Square.

But while they fuss over diamonds and ball-gowns, their sixteen-year-old niece, Adela, has joined a troupe of spiritualists. As the Dilbernes seek to avoid scandal, it falls to Viscount Arthur and his new wife to bring her back to the fold.

Fay Weldon's wit, wisdom and warmth brings this collision of Edwardian worlds to fabulous, exuberant life.

Hugely enjoyable