] " Looking around her, Mrs. Leigh-Perrot could see row upon row of eager, leering faces, and, here and there, the paler countenances of well-wishers and friends. " But, of course, this is Nokes's version and I suppose a Bessy Ramsden could have been among them. :-)

Betty Ramsden was indeed not above seeking some sensation, I quite liked her for her admitting this. Her honesty was refreshing. She had a self-depreciating sense of humor which I quite enjoyed, also her weakness for all sorts of leisure activities made her quite likeable for me:

On page 290:

"Bessy Ramsden's letters advertised the cosy comforts of home and family, only to break off abruptly at the siren call of entertainment"

Her gentle husband of course indulged her in this, which was a key to her happiness I suppose. Under those circumstances I would have also felt contend with the "dreary" lot of a "mere" housewife and mother. LOL.

Kerstin