Bennett described his story as an 'Idyllic Diversion'. Helen Rathbone meets her elderly uncle, James Ollerenshaw, in Bursley Park, after an estrangement of several years. Both are very strong willed, independent characters. Helen has an extravagant lifestyle and likes to spend money while the old man has lived a thrifty life and intends to continue in the same way.However, they develop a friendship which progresses rapidly and Helen moves in to James' house to look after him. A battle of wills begins in earnest. Each uses all the cunning and emotional blackmail they can muster to get their own way and both experience a transformation as romance comes knocking at the door. A wonderfully humorous and observant study of human nature and life in the Potteries at the turn of the century.
