The rejection of foreign adventurism derived partly from an awareness of the dynastic vulnerability of the Bourbon line, partly from the country's economic as well as its military fragility – and partly too from the increasingly evident limitations of France's traditional international allies.

Not your average Tom, Dick and Harry.

You two! said Lady Margaret. What will William Belet think? […] Finally Edith broke the silence. He thinks we're fopdoodles! she said. And they all laughed.

I had hoped our first meeting would turn out better.