Having enjoyed robust health throughout her career, Miss Read is looking forward to an energetic retirement in a few years' time Relieved of the fear of the school's closure, she should be on top of the world, but is suddenly taken ill Is it time to say farewell to Fairacre? As she faces ill health and considers the far reaching decisions, she is caught up as always in the affairs of her neighbours and we watch with affection as, through the changing seasons of the year, these are gradually resolved