Gemma Jones

Louisa decides to buy a seaside cottage where she and her friends can relax. Unfortunately, her new neighbors, an exclusive Sailing Club, have objections. There is no plain sailing for anyone.

By the spring of 1902, Louisa's hotel has become the toast of London and she herself is the vital spark, which fires the heart of society. Her food is exquisite, her wine superb, and her personality can be matched by none. But can this state of affairs last forever?

The Bentinck's hall porter and his dog Fred have become valued members of Louisa's staff and the fact that is little known about Starr's past doesn't seem to trouble anyone. Then one day he receives a visitor.

The summer of 1904 sees the Bentinck full of visitors. Louisa is delighted with her first rich American guest. She is less delighted when she finds that the three parties are becoming involved with each other in a way that borders on the criminal.

Every year at the Bentinck, Louisa gives a Servants' Ball where the guests wait upon the staff and usually the evening is a great success. However, on this occasion, a seemingly personable young man decides to cause trouble.

In October 1905 George Duggan, a rising star in the Liberal Party, sweeps to victory. His charm and sincerity seem unquestionable until he meets a beautiful woman at a party in Louisa's hotel.

One evening a young lady arrives and asks for Lord Haslemere. There is some mystery and Louisa tries to unravel it and discovers why she wants to stay at the Bentinck.

Bridget is forty-something and single again after breaking up with Mark Darcy. She decides to focus on her job and surround herself with old friends and some new ones. But her love life takes a turn when she meets a dashing American named Jack. In an unlikely twist, Bridget finds herself pregnant but she can only be fifty percent sure of the father's identity.

Tells of the Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and passionate Marianne, whose chances at marriage seem doomed by their family's sudden loss of fortune.

Through hard work, talent, and ambition, a servant girl rises from scullery maid to become the finest chef in London and Edwardian society's premier hostess. Along the way her beauty and spirit attract the attention of high-placed admirers.