The Duke is recovered now, but clearly an old man. Lord Somerville seems incapable of facing up to his impending responsibilities. Meanwhile Barbara has problems with her father of quite a different kind.

Barbara goes to London for a few weeks ' on loan' to Maria. Walter's self-proclaimed father, Eddie, now emerges as a real threat, and Maria's refusal to acknowledge the truth poses an increasing problem. Sam's friendship becomes all the more important to Barbara.