Tenterhooks

The second of the 'Little Ottleys' trilogy, an Edwardian comedy of manners. Several years have passed since the events in 'Love's Shadow', but Bruce Ottley is as difficult and irksome as ever. His beautiful wife Edith continues to gently manage his foibles, and regards him with a fond tolerance. But then she meets the enchanting - and very handsome - Aylmer Ross. The attraction between them is undeniable, and Edith's quiet serenity is shattered. Could this spell the end for the Ottley's marriage? Feather light, dialogue-packed and often tongue-in-cheek, this is a charming second instalment of a story which - despite its apparent superficiality - shows that Leverson had a keen understanding of human nature and of the society in which she moved. - Summary by Helen Taylor