Marlene has become fed up with her husband's inattention, and fears that their relationship is nearing its end. She seeks the help of a local marriage guidance counsellor, which proves so successful that she ends up throwing Boycie out, but the parting gives them both time to consider their lives.

While searching through some ancient scrolls and paperwork left behind by the old squire, Boycie discovers a medieval recipe for a traditional local liquor. With the help of his staff, he goes into full-scale production, attracting customers from far and wide, including two whom he had hoped he had seen the last of.

Bored with life on the farm, Marlene throws herself into charity work. As a by-product of her efforts, Boycie senses an opportunity to become Sir Aubrey. Marlene, with the help of their staff, tries to use her charity contacts to help her husband achieve his dream. Unfortunately, life is very rarely that simple, particularly where Boycie and Marlene are concerned.

Tyler wants to borrow money to buy new equipment for his band, Puddle of Agony. But Boycie, who was brought up in the school of hard knocks, refuses to cough up. Meanwhile the local vicinity is gripped by fear of Animal Freedom protestors.

Marlene is worried about Tyler being in a deep depression, and on what appears to be a starvation diet. He is withdrawn, and spends every hour painting gloomy pictures. Things become so bad that she calls for the help of her mother, Dora...

Boycie and Marlene drive Tyler back to his old university where his band, Puddle of Agony, is about to perform its very first gig.

The Antiques Roadshow comes to Ludlow, and Marlene, already in the middle of a house makeover, sees an opportunity to have her old bric-a-brac valued by experts. She is not alone, as Elgin, Bryan, Jed and Mrs Cakeworthy have exactly the same idea.

To celebrate their forthcoming 40th wedding anniversary, Marlene has arranged for her and Boycie to renew their marriage vows. But, whilst checking up on old friends and acquaintances for the guest list, she hears some devastating news - news that puts an entirely different complexion on the Boyces' relationship.