Bristol and Nethercombe, England – 1988

Gussie Merton is having tea when she gets into a conversation with Nell Woodward. Both women are contemplating their future. Gussie is worried about living on her small pension, but pleased to be going to her cousin’s wedding at Nethercombe Court, while Nell is thinking about her and her husband’s move to Bristol after he resigned from the navy. Used to being on her own while John was away, she is still trying to get used to living with John full time as he struggles with a new job. John lacks confidence and is having a difficult time away from the navy, and they are getting deeper and deeper into debt. Nell is very close to her son who is away at school. Nell and Gussie become very good friends despite the disparity in ages.

Augusta’s cousin, Henry Morley, loves his home, Nethercombe Court, even though it needs a lot of work. Henry is going ahead with his plans to build small cottages in the courtyard. He is thrilled to be marrying Gillian, not realizing that Gillian does not love him, but is marrying him for his property and the money that she hopes he has. She is a selfish, self-absorbed, immature woman with no morals, willing to do anything to gratify herself.

More changes and catastrophes take place as Nell tries to reason with John, but he foolishly will not confide his financial problems to her. Gillian is willing to cuckold her husband, betray her friends, and do whatever it takes to get what she wants. Will she ever grow up and see the error of her ways? The new courtyard residents are all making friends and getting involved in each other’s lives, as they have pool parties and find companionship and love.

The book was originally published in 1995 in England with the latest Thomas Dunne publication printed in the United States. It is an intriguing and satisfying story, well-written with interesting, well-drawn characters and realistic situations. The pacing is excellent, the dialogue well done, and is a heart-warming peek of life in the English countryside.

Marilyn Heyman