1. Life in Knightsbridge

Ada Leverson's witty and wonderful social comedy begins in 1908, set in Edwardian London.

Bruce and Edith are known as ‘The Little Ottleys’.

Pretty and delightful Edith Ottley is married to pompous Bruce. She adores her son, Archie and thinks herself content with her life in the very new, very concise, very white flat in Knightsbridge but often thought that if Hyacinth Verney wasn't a friend, life would be very dull.

The beautiful and wealthy Hyacinth is in love with Cecil Reeve but it appears he is love with someone else. Is Hyacinth's heart destined to remain broken?

As Edith ponders on Hyacinth's dilemma, she finds her own heart suddenly beating that bit faster when she meets the clever, charming and very handsome Aylmer Ross.

Dramatised in five episodes by Martyn Wade.

Ada Leverson …. Haydn Gwynne
Bruce .... Bertie Carvel
Edith .... Juliet Aubrey
Hyacinth .... Alex Tregear
Cecil .... Stuart McLoughlin
Anne .... Jane Whittenshaw
Eugenia .... Joanna Monro

Taken from three short novels written by Ada Leverson between 1908 and 1916:

* Love's Shadow
* Tenterhooks
* Love At Second Sight

They were grouped together in 1962 under the title of 'The Little Ottleys'.

Director: Tracey Neale

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.