Elizabeth Fair est célèbre pour ses six romans qui, avec humour et douceur, disséquaient la "politique sociale polie" des habitants des villages. Son style, souvent comparé à celui de Margery Sharp ou Angela Thirkell, partage des affinités avec Anthony Trollope. Fair elle-même indiquait que ses œuvres étaient destinées à ceux qui "préfèrent ne pas prendre la vie trop au sérieux". Sa prose mêle habilement des éléments romantiques à des commentaires spirituels et discrets sur la vie des villages anglais.
The protagonist reflects on a life of complacency, having lost the anticipation of change until the unexpected arrival of Mrs. Gamalion's legacy disrupts her routine. This legacy promises to alter her perspective and life trajectory, introducing themes of transformation and the potential for extraordinary events in seemingly mundane lives. The story hints at a journey of self-discovery and the impact of unforeseen circumstances.
Set in the aftermath of war, the story explores the shifting dynamics between Mrs. Midge and Mrs. Custance. Initially, Mrs. Midge was integral to the war effort, but as peace returns, she finds herself relegated to a status deemed unnecessary by Mrs. Custance. This change reflects broader themes of societal value and the complexities of relationships altered by conflict. The narrative delves into the emotional landscape of individuals grappling with their identities in a transformed world.
The narrative explores the dynamics of social class and privilege through the character of Lady Masters, who effortlessly maintains her status and comforts, such as having her maid serve coffee across the lawn. The protagonist reflects on the ease with which Lady Masters navigates her world, highlighting the ingrained expectations and assumptions that come with her position. This observation invites a deeper examination of class disparities and the unspoken rules governing social interactions.
Loneliness permeates the life of a widow who, despite her prosperity and a lack of children, finds solace in her genuine interest in others. Julia Dunstan navigates her solitary existence, reflecting on her fortune compared to many in her situation. Her journey explores themes of connection and resilience as she seeks to fill the void left by her loss, highlighting the importance of relationships in overcoming isolation.
The narrative hints at a complex relationship involving Mr. Heritage and his godson, suggesting themes of familial expectations and personal perceptions. The character's curiosity about Mr. Heritage's thoughts introduces an element of intrigue, prompting readers to explore the dynamics of their connection and the implications of their interactions. This moment raises questions about loyalty, judgment, and the impact of one's reputation on personal relationships.
"My last secretary was thirty-five, old M. said gloomily, and no more sense than a child of ten. Or else she wasn't all there. You all there? he asked suddenly, giving Maud a searching look. No banging your head on the table? No throwing the china at me? Hey? Young Maud has made her escape from an overbearing stepmother and come to stay with her cousin Alice and Alice's companion Miss Conway in the countryside. Alice and Con have arranged a job for her as secretary to Mr Feniston, an eccentric and intimidating neighbor who seems to have driven his previous secretary to a nervous breakdown. In between cataloguing Mr Feniston's library, dodging his temper, and encounters, awkward and intriguing in turn, with his son and an alienated nephew, Maud finds herself involved with local eccentricities and dramas, including a secret romance which has everyone talking. She may never be the same after this winter away! Furrowed Middlebrow is delighted to make available, for the first time in over half a century, all six of Elizabeth Fair's irresistible comedies of domestic life. These new editions all feature an introduction by Elizabeth Crawford."--Provided by publisher
"The best thing one can say about the Priory is that it would have made a splendid ruin," she stated. "If only the Seamarks had left it alone ..." Hester Clifford has come to Mingham to recover from pneumonia, at the invitation of her godmother, Cecily Hutton, an eccentric painter with a predilection for ruins. Hester determines to bring order to the Huttons' easygoing lives, not to mention those of the villagers--including elderly Mrs. Hyde-Ridley, attempting to enforce her Edwardian standards of behaviour, Mrs. Merlin, the Rector's wife, equally determined to share the joys of country dance with an unenthusiastic parish, and Thomas Seamark, a classic example of the wealthy, brooding widower. Amidst conflict, manipulation, matchmaking, and general hilarity, Hester clearly has her work cut out for her. Furrowed Middlebrow is delighted to make available, for the first time in over half a century, all six of Elizabeth Fair's irresistible comedies of domestic life. These new editions all feature an introduction by Elizabeth Crawford. "Miss Fair's understanding is deeper than Mrs. Thirkell's and her humour is untouched by snobbishness; she is much nearer to Trollope, grand master in these matters."--Stevie Smith "Miss Fair makes writing look very easy, and that is the measure of her creative ability."--Compton Mackenzie