Thirkell's last, unfinished novel, completed by her close friend C. A. Lejeune, features a host of new and old friends from the author's beloved Barsetshire. This time out, a little boy appears to save Wiple Terrace, home of Miss Hampton and Miss Bent, from destruction. The budding romance between Lord Mellings and Lavinia Merton flowers, a past love finds Dr. Ford, and the Old Bank House provides the setting for the final scene, an all-Barsetshire party to celebrate the 70th birthday of Mrs. Morland, the popular novelist.