Order and Progress

Unexpected solutions

Unexpected sorrow

A return to peace and quiet?

It takes planning that is not merely tentative - and superlative efforts on the part of everyone - to restore peace and some kind of order to Denisthorn Hall, after the tumultuous events of recent years. Lord Croukerne cannot get over his wife's decline; Edwina causes confusion and distress even to her carers.

Lady Geraldine counters demands by society, which require a young widow to remarry. She retreats into solitude on horseback, or in the company of dear female friends. Some of her decisions might alter Denisthorn Hall forever. Some of her choices puzzle and vex even those closest to her.

The servants too must become accustomed to accommodating the whims and wishes of their masters. Many changes ensue. Finding new staff is becoming harder: Britain is changing, with startling developments - not only in transportation - enforcing adjustment by the population. Factories, shops and new institutions alter employment and the laws that govern it. Some know the changes cannot be reversed, although most hope they can, and hope sanity will prevail.