Richard's business empire hits a serious crisis.

It is now a quarter of a century since the last visit to Grantleigh Manor. That was the day that the indomitable Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, the dispossessed lady of the manor, finally got around to marrying Richard Devere, her usurper and supermarket tycoon of Czechoslovakian stock. It was a perfect love match, yet their romance was never less than a tempestuous on-off affair due to their one and only source of disagreement - which was pretty much everything.

Audrey and Richard are still living in the manor. Marjory lives in the Lodge. Richard and Audrey's 25th wedding anniversary is coming up, so there is a party to plan. But before that, there is the local two-in-hand horse trial to conquer, as well as Audrey's nephew to attend to. But Richard has a secret which threatens to destroy the community, a happy marriage and a lifetime of friendships.