Sir Watkin Bassett is writing his memoirs, which could prove scandalous to everyone in his life, so various members of society, such as Madeline Bassett, and Lady Florence Craye - to whom Bertie has recently become engaged - all want Bertie to steal them. Stiffy Byng is producing the village entertainment for Totleigh-on-the-Wold involving a double-act between Gussie and Spode, and a song by her betrothed, Stinker Pinker.