Bettie's Books

bookshelves: winter-20142015, published-1972, chick-lit, fradio, radio-4x, under-500-ratings

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00769kx

Description: Howard's fifth novel is the story of a marriage that has lasted a decade and has settled into a comfortable and very pleasurable routine. Yet even the happiest relationship can be sabotaged easily--and quickly, too, if the wrong person should come along.

1/10 A contented marriage is disrupted by Arabella - beautiful, rich and longing to be loved.

2/10 Arabella gets to know her new housemates, and they bond as luggage is unpacked.

3/10 Edmund and his wife discuss how to treat their new charge.

4/10 Edmund takes Arabella to London and treats her to lunch.

5/10 Edmund's attraction intensifies but Arabella seems to be cooling off.

6/10 Edmund hides his dalliance from his wife, who has a chill.

7/10 Edmund considers going to Greece alone, while Anne and Arabella strike up a relationship.

8/10 Anne and Arabella get to know each other rather more intimately than expected.

9/10 Arabella and Edmund dance. Impoverished, Janet struggles to cope alone.

10/10 Arabella talks to Anne and Edmund, and revelations and resolutions follow.