Zannah and Adrian are planning a May wedding. But before that they must endure the one thing that happens before all weddings - the meeting of the families. Will the gathering go smoothly? Will they like each other - the slightly bohemian Gratrixes from Cheshire and the wealthy Ashtons from the Home Counties? The meeting will take place on neutral territory, at a lunch party in the home of Zannah's great-aunt Charlotte in London. A mood of festivity and celebration prevails. Then Adrian's stepfather arrives and Zannah's mother turns frighteningly pale and hurries away from the party...
