Gemma Jones

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.

Louisa has thrown her husband, Augustus, and his overbearing sister out of the Bentinck and is determined to settle the hotel's enormous debts without help from anyone.

Louisa is furious to learn that her landlords would like to terminate the lease and are looking for a breach of it on her part. So far, there is none, but life at the Bentinck is never dull and seldom free of trouble.

Louisa's success as a cook has brought her the notice of the Prince of Wales and of society. Louisa is approached from all quarters by potential suitors.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Louisa Leyton secures the position of cook under Monsieur Alex, a leading chef, in a fashionable house.

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.

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.

A barrister defends a 14-year-old naval cadet accused of stealing a postal money-order.

Jane Eyre, a mistreated orphan, learns to survive by relying on her independence and intelligence.

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.