Tears mingle with domestic upheavals in this delightful reunion of Thirkell’s Barsetshire characters as they cavort through the early days of World War II. Highlights include Rose Birkett's wedding, Geraldine Birkett's infatuation with Fritz Gissing, and a romance between Octavia Crawley and Tommy Needham. Noel Merton's marriage to Lydia Keith takes place just before he leaves for the war, and at the end he may be missing after Dunkirk. When it is learned that a London school is to be evacuated, the villagers rally round to offer their support, and the local characters are seen in their true colors. Meanwhile, East European refugees bring a new spirit and energy to the peaceful countryside.