I always get the impression that when there’s a plot problem they just invent a Croydotron X5 or whatever to get to the next chapter.

Why do I feel this is too the left of…?

I expect the shortlist to be Fiona Bruce or Lauren Laverne.

Old school “Pink Gin” is gin with a dash of Angostura, straight up or on ice. Also good addition to a G&T or a dry Tom Collins imho. Nowadays pink gin means fruit flavoured muck.

I know the 2004 Christie’s listing implies 1914, but the women seem more 1920s than that date. Or were Paris fashions that far ahead?

Same piece from the rear

Miao embroidery is amazing. Some of the stitching as scarcely believable it’s so fine

I'd agree, but I've started Middlemarch. I like the characters, I care what happens, but I just want Eliot to get out of the way.