It's August in the Barsetshire village of Worsted, and Richard Tebben,
just down from Oxford, is contemplating the gloomy prospect of a long
summer in the parental home. But the numerous and impossibly glamorous
Dean family - exquisite Rachel, her capable husband and six of their
nine brilliant children - have come for the holidays, and their hostess
Mrs Palmer plans to rope everyone into performing in her disastrous
annual play. Surrounded by the irrepressible Deans, Richard and his
sister Margaret cannot help but have their minds broadened, spirits
raised and hearts smitten.