The action takes place at a succession of social gatherings dinner parties teas sherry hours & a dance in the local pub reminiscent of the one in Austens Emma. The retreat of the gentry continues now however buoyed up by the return of Mr Churchill & Us to the government. Despite this it gradually dawns that hard times do not disappear & an uneasy feeling that the past cannot be recaptured lurks in the background. We have our usual complement of requited & unrequited love. The marriage of Charles Belton & Clarissa Graham is finally brought about by the efforts of friends & relatives to the vast relief of the whole county. Grace Grantly (of Trollopes Grantlys) brings a much appreciated dowry to Lord Ludovic Lufton leaving Eric Swan mildly heartbroken. Minor characters of the whole downstairs portion of society continue to reappear -- take note of Edna & Doris Thatcher & their children of shame a delightfully un-PC characterisation.