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Diary of a Provincial LadyE. M. Delafield

Classic comedy

Diary of a Provincial Lady

by E. M. Delafield

An unnamed upper-middle-class wife keeps a diary of one year in a Devon village while attempting to manage her family, household, finances, and social obligations. Her reserved husband Robert, two children, French governess, unpredictable servants, and formidable neighbor Lady Boxe repeatedly undermine every plan for calm efficiency. The comedy lies in the gap between what the Provincial Lady politely does and what she privately records about doing it. Dry and affectionate, this classic suits a rainy afternoon for readers who enjoy domestic mishaps, village pretensions, strained budgets, and a narrator whose failures only sharpen her powers of observation.

Paired for this story

Rosemary Citrus Spritz + Cherry Cola Old Fashioned

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Financial anxiety and debt; marital/family frustration; illness references; class and gender expectations; mild alcohol use.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Rosemary Citrus Spritz

A bright, refreshing sip suits a lively, lighthearted reading mood.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Fill a glass with ice. Add orange juice, top with sparkling water, stir gently, and garnish with rosemary.
  2. Garnish: Orange wheel and rosemary sprig.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Cherry Cola Old Fashioned

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Bourbon and cherry syrup make a classic Old Fashioned feel just a little more mischievous.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Stir bourbon, cherry syrup, and bitters with ice. Strain over one large ice cube.
  2. Garnish: Orange peel and cocktail cherry.
  3. Glassware: Rocks glass.

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