Lady Ravenswode’s Dinner Party was a story in which Marion finds out just what sort of prejudice she can expect in her new social circles. The first hint, of course is when she is announced at the house as “Ambasador de Lœngbærrow and guest”, obviously a put down.

Of course, Lord Ravenswode is being portrayed from the start as a negative character. His house is a dark, forbidding place. He hunts, and he keeps piranhas in his ornamental pond. Lady Ravenswode associates with Lady Oakdaene and with Idell de Lœngbærrow, the estranged wife of Marion’s soon to be brother in law. They make a clique of people who obviously don’t like Marion and never will. But snubbing Lily D’Argenlunna is a big mistake on their part!

The big showdown, however, is not with Lady Ravenswode, but with Idell. And remember those piranha fish! Of course the two women are going to fall into the water. Marion, of course, is the heroine, trying to rescue Idell, even though she isn’t at all grateful. Of course, there is a polarisation of opinion afterwards. The Ravenswode’s gather around Idell, Lily and others see to Marion. Clearly the battle lines are drawn. Marion has her supporters just as Idell has.

There is the obvous criticism that everything is black and white. Ravenswode is too clearly a bad guy. His wife, Lady Oakdaene and Idell are presented as a little witches coven of three. Marion is the virtuous lady who they hate. And yes, it is a fair criticism. I am not looking to give Idell subtleties of character. We don’t know or care how she feels. I am not writing that kind of stuff. You are MEANT to side with Marion just as you side with Cinderella against her ugly stepsisters. It’s no more sophisticated than that and it isn’t trying to be.