The impulsive marriage between an idealistic English woman and a sophisticated French nobleman triggers a series of domestic complications exacerbated by their manipulative young son. Grace Allingham enters the marriage expecting a conventional life, only to find herself navigating the rigid social expectations and cultural idiosyncrasies of the French aristocracy. Her husband, Charles-Edouard de Valhubert, represents the charm and moral ambiguity of his class, creating a friction that defines their household. The narrative is further complicated by their son, Sigismund, who orchestrates elaborate schemes to control his parents' interactions. The story unfolds through a sharp, observational lens that highlights the absurdity of the clash between English sensibilities and French social traditions.

Readers frequently highlight the sharp wit and observational humor that define Mitford's writing style in this work. Discussion often centers on the character of Sigismund, who is frequently cited as one of the most effective and unsettling child antagonists in literature. Critics often note the balance between the lighthearted comedy of manners and the underlying cynicism regarding marriage and social status. The pacing is generally described as brisk, allowing the cultural misunderstandings to drive the narrative forward without becoming bogged down in sentimentality. Many readers appreciate the way the book captures the specific social atmosphere of the post-war era through a lens of detached amusement.