May 1935: Barbara has now been with the Rudds for over a year. After their financial collapse, they have moved to an ultra-modern house near Ipswich, and the ebullient Mr Rudd is working on an invention which he is convinced will restore their fortunes. But May, their daughter, has fallen dramatically in love with the son of a very grand neighbour and Barbara is put into a difficult position.

Still in a state of some shock Barbara has decided to explore Mr Phipps's offer of a job with his cousins in Yorkshire. All she knows about them when she sets out is their name ...