The Housewives League, led by Rita Compton, is strongly opposed to the munitions factory. They feel it places their small town in the direct line of German fire. Lady Elizabeth assures everyone that they’ve nothing to worry about and that after the war, the building will be turned into a social hall of some sort that will help make the horrors of the war seem a distant past.

Shortly after the factory opens, there is an explosion that kills the owner, Douglas McNally, as well as one of his workers, Jessie Bandini, who were locked in an office at the time of the explosion. The fire warden rules the fire an accident - to the relief of Sitting Marsh residents who were concerned the factory was immediately bombed.

Something about the way Douglas and Jessie were found bothers Lady Elizabeth and she begins asking questions to determine if the fire was an accident, or just very carefully planned. She learns that Douglas received more than his share of threatening letters before he built the factory, but refuses to believe that any of her villagers could be involved in something so malicious.

The normally charming atmosphere of Sitting Marsh lags a bit this time around as Lady Elizabeth pines for Earl and her personal secretary Polly pines for her lost American. The addition of a housemaid, Sadie, doesn’t fit in as well as the rest of Lady Elizabeth’s staff including the doddering butler Martin and the brisk Violet who always has Lady Elizabeth’s best interest at heart.

When Earl returns and announces his divorce (surprising only Lady Elizabeth, but not faithful readers), Lady Elizabeth still insists that they keep a proper distance until all legal matters are settled, but does perk up considerably at having Earl back in the Manor House where he and other American officers have been housed.

The explosion and fire take back seat to Elizabeth’s and Polly’s personal life and desires to find ways to help the troops abroad. By the time the solution is made known, no one will be surprised and some may even wonder what took so long to figure it out. Lady Elizabeth’s villagers only play a supporting role this time, and some of their stronger personalities are missed. Fans of the series will still be anxious to see how, and if, Lady Elizabeth and Earl are able to turn their unusual friendship into something more.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry