Rumpole of the Bailey

Horace Rumpole is back in the hallowed precincts of the Civil Law Courts. Rumpole is delighted to have been invited by the Daily Beacon to defend their editor, however unworthy he may be, in an action brought by a popular romantic novelist.

Insider dealing in the city, involving yet another member of the Timson Family clan, provides Rumpole with the opportunity to reduce his overdraft--at least long enough to delay Hilda from cutting off his meagre supply of Pommeroy Plonk.

Rumpole defends his clergyman nephew in an ecclesiastical court, against charges of adultery - of which the bishop takes a dim view. Rumpole's colleagues Ballard and Erskine-Brown appear for the prosecution.

Rumpole’s main source of income is once more supplemented by defending the Timsons. Tom Timson tells an incredulous Rumpole that he’s charged with trying to drown his wife.

Phyllida Erskine-Brown wonders whether she really wants the responsibility of her new position or if she simply wants to run away from it all. Hilda also has reason to assess her life with Rumpole when an old flame reminds her what might have been.

A famous artist dies in mysterious circumstances, and his young wife is accused of his murder. Rumpole suspects the artist may have committed suicide.