The Brandons : A Virago Modern Classic Paperback / softback

Lavinia Brandon is quite the loveliest widow in Barsetshire, blessed with beauty and grace, as well as two handsome grown-up children, Delia and Francis.

So thinks their cousin Hilary Grant when he comes to stay and - like many before him - promptly falls for his fragrant hostess.

Meanwhile, the Brandons' ill-tempered dowager aunt is stirring up controversy over her legacy, and Lavinia's attention is further occupied by the challenges of making a match between the vicar and gifted village helpmeet Miss Morris, and elegantly deterring her love-struck suitors.

Angela Thirkell's 1930s comedy is bright, witty and winning.