A Jazz Age socialite impulsively adopts an orphaned boy in this funny, heartwarming tale from the New York Times -bestselling author of Cluny Brown . In 1929 London, twenty-eight-year-old Lesley Frewen lives a privileged, cultured life. But one thing is missing: love. When her aunt's female companion dies suddenly, leaving behind a young son, Lesley decides on a whim to adopt four-year-old Patrick--which is odd, because she doesn't have any particular affection for children. As soon as Patrick moves in with her, Lesley gets to work using her connections to enroll him in the finest boys' school. But she soon discovers that London is no place to raise a child. Relocating to the country, however, comes with its own set of daunting challenges. The tiny village of High Westover boasts a post office, a church, and a vicarage.

There's an apple orchard and children for Patrick to play with, but Lesley can't imagine how she'll entertain her friends there. But life with Patrick will change her, bringing out her capacity to love and showing her the difference between pleasure and happiness.