Dr Battista, an obsessively dedicated scientist, lives with daughters Kate and Bunny in Baltimore.

He spends most of his waking hours assisted in his lab by brilliant young researcher, Pyotr. But Pyotr’s visa is set to soon expire and fearful that it won’t be renewed Dr Battista has suggested Kate might marry him and resolve the situation to everyone’s satisfaction – except hers.

After all it’s not as if Kate has a boyfriend or a bevy of admirers like her pretty sister, Bunny.

Pyotr has paid a visit to Kate at home and apologised for offending her. Dr Battista is determined to see the fact that she responded graciously to his apology as progress, and is still keen to persuade her to at least consider his plan.

Without Pyotr he’s convinced that he would be unable to successfully complete his research, which he believes to be at a crucial stage.

Written by Anne Tyler

Read by Liza Ross

Abridged and Produced by Jill Waters

A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2016. Show less