by Susanna Perkins

Created on: September 28, 2009

Daisy Fletcher, nee Dalrymple is investigating famous follies with her friend and former housemate, Lucy Fotheringay Bincombe. While English history is rife with famous foolishness, especially among the upper classes, Daisy and Lucy are actually checking out architectural features at stately homes, whimsical structures built to serve as conversation pieces or lend interest to a view. Follies were especially popular in Endling during the 18th century.

Daisy's and Lucy's families are appalled that the pair are maintaining careers. After all, it's just not done among respectable married ladies who are also members of the nobility! Daisy, daughter of a viscount, is a journalist - not a reporter, as she is quick to point out - who writes articles about stately homes for magazines and Lucy, an earl's granddaughter, is a high-class photographer. Together, they are writing a book about follies. On their list is Appsworth, a grotto (as opposed to some other sort of folly). As Daisy tells her husband, Alec,

"We have towers, temples, cloisters, pillars, and fake medieval ruins aplenty, even a campanile, but not a single grotto. Appsworth has the best grotto in the country."

Daisy and Lucy arrive at Appsworth and meet the house party. It consists of Brin Pritchard, the owner, his sister-in-law Mrs. Howell and her son Owen, the Earl of Rydal, known as Rhino, Lady Beaufort and her daughter Julia, and a visiting historian named Charles Armitage.

Daisy is concerned that Lucy might snub Mr. Pritchard, who made his fortune in plumbing, but her worries are groundless. Rhino, who received his nickname because of his large nose and thick-skinned personality, is so offensive to everyone present that even Mrs. Howell, a snob of the first water, stops finding excuses for his bad behavior.

Later, three more guests arrive. Sir Desmond and Lady Ottaline Wandersley, and Sir Desmond's private secretary, Carlin have been invited because Sir Desmond has business with Pritchard's Plumbing Products. Daisy isn't sure why Lady Ottaline has accompanied her husband, but it's clear she knows Rhino and is delighted to see him, while he is very put out at her arrival.

After dinner, Daisy, Lucy and the others visit the grotto, which Mr. Pritchard has had illuminated for night viewing. It's quite a hike from the house, up a steep path next to a stream and a flight of steep, well worn steps. The walk is worth it, however.

"Oh!" Daisy echoed. . . in the only possible reaction to the spectacle before

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