Peace Breaks Out

Barsetshire in the war years. True to the theory that a positive change creates almost as much stress as a negative one, the outbreak of Peace is met with trepidation. The Government falls, Mr Adams contests Anne Fielding’s father for MP, and bread is not delivered (somehow equivalent events). However the main action focuses on David Leslie who, at thirty-nine, is still meddling with the feelings of every available young woman until Rose Bingham, of suitable age and circumstances, ‘sorts him out’, object: Matrimony. Around the edges we encounter Mr Scratcherd the local ‘artist’ and his formidable niece who harangues him in non-stop paragraphs; the continuing feud with the Palace as the Bishop’s request for a song in honour of ‘our Wonderful Red Comrades’ is countered by a hymn whose tune is that of the Russian Imperial National Anthem; and young George Halliday’s infatuation with a totally oblivious, very middle-aged, Lady Graham.