Chaos reigns in Skeldale House. Siegfried has the bright idea of bringing in an experienced bookkeeper, Miss Harbottle, to bring method to their madness. She's certainly efficient, but the cracks start to show and a sick ferret puts a spanner in the works.

Farmer Dakin is very attached to his injured, elderly cow, Blossom, but Siegfried advises letting her go. Having made a few rash decisions recently, he might have to put aside his pride as James presses him to see the truth of the situation he has created.

However misguided it might be, James and Helen take inspiration from Siegfried's "Carpe Diem" approach, and make a long-awaited decision.

James and Helen are keeping a secret. Following a visit to the Crabtree's Farm, Carmody is challenged with learning how to be a vet outside of his books. The new farmers have a worrying illness amongst their herd and James wants to help them in any way he can. Helen volunteers to join him, but helping the Crabtrees might have had a bigger impact on James and Helen than they anticipated. Helen rallies the community to help the newcomers while she waits for some personal news.

Carmody meets Bernard the tortoise and tries to ‘treat the owner' too by helping Ned Clough. Despite confiscating his textbooks, the whole household will come to realise the value of Carmody's bookish ways.

Mrs Hall receives an important letter and has to decide whether or not to share the news.