Dame Constance de Clair has a remarkable talent for getting what she wants. And, at this precise moment, she wants to transform her overly square castle, Vine Regis, by adding an extension. But all is not going according to plan... Quite apart from the fact that Constance's builders seem more intent on demolishing the existing castle than building the extension; her son's wife-to-be is determined to dislodge her as Lady of the Castle; her son appears more interested in going hunting than getting married; the French are threatening to invade; and to top it all off, there appears to be thievery afoot. Something is going to have to be done before the estate begins to crumble (quite literally, at this rate) but the question is what...?

With a cast of charming characters - introduced to us in HAVING THE BUILDERS IN - this witty and clever novel tells the story of the inhabitants of Vine Regis castle and its surrounding town. After far too many months of HAVING THE BUILDERS IN, Dame Constance's (newly extended) castle, Vine Regis, is her own once more. Finally she has the peace and quiet she needs to begin the all-important task of decorating. Or so she thinks! Unfortunately for Constance, it's not just her Italian decorator's choice of colours that are revolting—apparently the townsfolk are at it too. Outraged by the Poll Tax, murderous rebels are rumoured to be on the rampage. As meddlesome merchants, pesky Pilgrims and rowdy relatives seek refuge at the castle, Constance's dreams of interior design disappear out of the window. This simply won't do; Dame Constance should be picking out fabrics not picking up after uninvited guests. But as Lady of the Manor she must do her duty. Unless, of course, she can devise a way to get rid of them! HAVING THE DECORATORS IN is wickedly witty, deliciously delightful and infinitely more enjoyable than watching paint dry.