Nick is put in a compromising position when Jo makes the rash assumption that an aspiring young cricketer who is playing truant from school is being abused by his father, causing the youngster to run away. Meanwhile, Greengrass and a stables owner "borrow" Lord Ashfordly's horse in another money-making scheme, whilst Ventress tries to hide his gambling debts from a suspicious Blaketon, and Aunt Eileen begins work as a chef at the Aidensfield Arms.