Love among the ruins - Angela Thirkell

Another tale of requited and unrequited love. Charles Belton becomes interested in Clarissa Graham, Oliver Marling nurses a hopeless infatuation for Jessica Dean and the obnoxious Richard Tebbens gets his comeuppance from his Viking betrothed, Petrea Krogsbrog. However, Fred Belton and Susan Dean overcome minor obstacles and are headed for the altar. The trials of peace are almost worse than those of war as the beleaguered gentry alternately fight the forces of change and resign themselves to the tyranny of 'Them' (the Labour Government). Sam Adams, the self-made entrepreneur foreshadows the rise of a new middle class as he gains acceptance as a Labour MP who votes like a Tory. Mrs Belton is instrumental in brushing up the rough edges and his own good sense and kind nature win over the 'county' in spite of themselves.