Jackie's feelings are mixed when she is called to defend a businessman accused of raping a hotel guest at a conference, and Tricia discovers there's more to the case than meets the eye after catching the victim in a compromising position. Meanwhile, Vernon is horrified to discover that David has stopped paying the bills in Greengrass' absence, forcing them both to seek "real" employment. However, they soon find themselves caught up in an insurance scam when they approach a local farmer for work.

A Russian chess champion comes to stay at Ashfordly Hall, and Lord Ashfordly asks Craddock for a permanent police presence during his stay, giving an exceptionally devious burglar the opportunity to wreak havoc in Aidensfield, and the crime spree soon reaches Ashfordly Hall, leaving Bellamy and Ventress to face Craddock's wraith. Meanwhile, Vernon and David are thrown into a panic when they discover Greengrass is not returning to Aidensfield and has decided to sell the cottage, whilst Jackie goes on a trip to London to continue her sordid affair with Adrian Miller, leaving Mike suspicious.