At Lady Molly's

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At Lady Molly's is the fourth volume in Anthony Powell's twelve novel sequence, A Dance to the Music of Time. It explores, inter alia, the intersection of bohemian society with the life of the landed classes.

The novel presents comparisions between the generations, notably in the scenes where Widmerpool, precocious in affairs of the world - though not of the heart - becomes engaged to the older, and more sophisticated, Mildred. The motives of each, and reactions of friends are explored with wry detachment.

The portrait of the aristocratic Tolland family, sourced in part from Powell's own in-laws, the Pakenhams, is sharply painted in the manner of a conversation piece, capturing not only the personalities but the dynamics between them

[edit] Synopsis

In early 1934 Nick is introduced by a fellow film-script writer, Chips Lovell, to the Tolland family at a party given by Lady Molly Jeavons. It is announced that General Conyers' sister-in-law Mildred Haycock (née Blaides) is to marry Widmerpool.

Nick is invited for the weekend to the country by Quiggin, now living with Mona. While there they all visit the Tolland ancestral home, Thrubworth Park, for dinner with Erridge (Lord Warminster, eccentric head of the Tolland family).

During dinner a gaggle of Tolland sisters arrive. Nick realises at first sight that Isobel Tolland is the woman he will marry. Some while later Nick meets Ted Jeavons in a Soho pub, and they visit Umfraville's nightclub; there they encounter Widmerpool, Mrs Haycock and Templer.

In Autumn 1934 Jenkins becomes engaged to Isobel; Erridge absconds to China with Mona; Widmerpool's engagement to Mildred Blaides is broken off, there being differing accounts depending upon whom Nick speaks to.