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Sitting Marsh residents did not want the munitions factory to open. But open, it did. The lady of the manor, Elizabeth, knows there was nothing to be done about this decision so they must all make the best of it. The good news is that it has been an economic boost for them. This is especially important since many things are rationed and money is not plentiful. During this wartime, Elizabeth yearns for everyone to get along. Pining for a handsome American major who had returned to his family, Elizabeth recognizes the love stories of her servants. She acts quite differently than the generations before her. They would have truly rolled over in their graves had they known that she sat with the servants when they all ate together. Sometimes the servants remind her of her position in life. My favorite from this most interesting group is Martin, the butler. He is a proper, crotchety, elderly man, who often will prompt the house residents as to how the master would like it. (Of course, the master is no longer there.) He keeps on ticking with great fortitude even though he physically moves rather slowly. Not only does Elizabeth need to keep her staff together but she also takes on some patriotic responsibility with the townspeople. Protest efforts still continue in the background but the majority of the people have decided to suffer some uncomfortable feelings for the good of the war effort. Promises of making the factory into a remodeled building after the war appease some of the citizens. When an explosion occurs, everyone thinks that the Germans are bombing them at first. Two people are killed. The word that comes from the authorities points to an accident, but the lady of the manor knows better. Elizabeth is such a regular type person that she becomes quite endearing. Sometimes even she forgets that she is lady of the manor. When she commits to find out the truth about the explosion and murder, nothing will stand in her way. Added to her desire to know the truth, she also welcomes the return of a former suitor. This gives the story a new twist and definitely provides a spark. The flavor of the Second World War appears as a paramount ingredient in this story. The loyalty of the people at home garners letter-writing campaigns, knitting socks and collecting tinfoil in all formats. This story was a comfortable read for me, gentle yet moving forward at just the right pace. A good series!
Reviewed by Rita Ratacheck, December 2004
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