This was a really interesting and marvelously written book which I really enjoyed. The time setting was unclear but having been published in 1972, I assumed it was from around that era. It did not state but references to monetary values clarified this somewhat. It is certainly not one of her best novels and not as good as the Cazalet books in which although semi-autobiographical EJH really came into her own. EJH has an enviable skill of making everyday life scenes very entertaining and compelling. She was an extremely gifted author.This book without putting too many spoilers in it is a really compelling read with very interesting characters and EJH draws the reader very effectively into the story of life at Mulberry Lodge where most of the action takes place. The other scenes are in London. I found Arabella a really interesting character who was very compelling as she sounded initially cheeky and insolent but further into the story I also found her charming and vulnerable at the same time. She clearly had a lot of problems and I could understand her making that break in the end. I did question slightly whether someone of that age (she was 22) would be so sophisticated and highly informed about life as she was. Edmund was interesting too although more could have been done to describe how he looked as I struggled to picture him visually and not much description was given on how he looked and his appearance other than he was thirty eight. I imagined Edmund to be good looking?Anne the faithful wife was clearly caring about Arabella. I did not quite understand the storyline with Henry and Janet and wondered if that storyline was necessary though it did provide breaks between scenes. I found the ending of that storyline quite upsetting which involved resentment of having children, possible undercurrents of domestic abuse and a suicide. I felt that the story about Clara was entertaining and I could picture her clearly as in a film with her wealth and outlandish behaviour. I was kind of expecting there to be some sort of happy ending or twist and was half expecting Edmund to go after her, however I feel the most affectionate storyline oddly was between both women and I think Anne would have missed Arabella and I could sense that part of her did not want her to go in the end. Definitely worth reading.
