Nick and Jo's date is cut short when Nick is called to investigate a robbery at Ashfordly Hall, with the most likely suspect being a stables owner desperately trying to save his failing business, whilst Jo gets on the wrong side of Lord Ashfordly's latest gamekeeper when she accidentally leads a group of schoolchildren across his Lordships land. Meanwhile, Greengrass begins an import business selling American beer with his nephew and his American friend, a former US army soldier who arouses Blaketon's suspicions, whilst George considers closing the Aidensfield Arms as his financial crisis continues.