A bit more sharp than the usual fare from this author. Neville Stratton, Vicount Shaldon, heir to the Earl of Alvington, has lived his life under the thumb of his autocratic father. His father decides that it’s high time that Neville marries and sets up his nursery. The problem is that Neville has met a young lady and has secretly married her - and is terrified of confessing all to his father.

Neville’s wife dies giving birth to a sickly boy who is not expected to live, and Neville marries his father’s choice of bride, thankfully forgetting his youthful indiscretion. Nearly 30 years later, Neville quarrels with his younger son, Anthony, and sets in train an investigation to find out what became of his eldest son, using a neighbour’s secretary as legman. However, the secretary is jealous of Anthony, and ends up trying to manufacture a fake heir.

This is entwined with the three families living nearby each other, the Alvingtons, the Lydneys and the Somerbys, who are connected by friendship.

Not bad, with a bit more raciness than is usual.