The sudden appointment of a bumbling Oxford don as the British Ambassador to Paris forces his unassuming wife into the high-stakes, chaotic world of international diplomacy. Fanny, a woman accustomed to a quiet, domestic life, finds her existence upended as she navigates the rigid expectations of embassy life while managing a series of absurd personal and political complications. The narrative, presented through a witty and observant lens, tracks her attempts to maintain composure amidst aristocratic squatters, unruly children, and the relentless scrutiny of the press. She must balance her own desire for simplicity against the demands of a role she never sought, all while her husband remains largely oblivious to the mounting pressures surrounding them.

Readers frequently highlight the sharp, dry wit that defines the narrative voice throughout the novel. Discussion often centers on the effective transition of characters from previous works into this new, more frantic setting. Critics note that the pacing remains brisk, favoring comedic situations over deep psychological introspection. The balance of character development and situational humor creates a distinct atmosphere that captures the social anxieties of the era. Many readers appreciate the lighthearted approach to the complexities of diplomatic life and the eccentricities of the British upper class.