Rupert Frost had had a mistress for a few months even though he was engaged to Miss Charlotte Middleton, because she (the mistress) was too good to pass up. Charlotte broke off their betrothal because of it. She expected him to come back the next day and apologize and patch it up, but he joined the army instead. Rupert was sorry he he had been stupid, and Charlotte was sorry that she lost him, but there it was. Charlotte then married Mr. Digby Fayerweather on the rebound. They were married for only a few years; Digby died from a fall on the ice. It wasn't an awful marriage but when the first glow wore off for Digby, he was indifferent.
Nine years later Rupert (now Major Frost) was back in England. He had finally traced Charlotte to the small English village of Edenshade. She had moved after being widowed, and she had been difficult to track down. At first he stayed with Vicar Goodspeed, with whom he had been pen pals with during the war; then he bought a substantial house near the village.
Edenshade is a perfect little village in every way. Its passion is gardening; everybody's into it. The big deal is the Summer Contest for best gardens.
Rupert wants Charlotte and intends to get her back. He has grown up since the mistress thing. Charlotte wants him too but is put off when he appears to be courting a Miss Hastings, who is visiting him with her cousin Captain Alexander Beddoes.
Things all come together at the annual village fete and, as one would expect, the various couples all sort themselves out.
Pleasant, bucolic, lots of flower lore, relaxing. A nice little summer book.
