Kingdom

Peter Kingdom runs his law practice in the small East Anglian town of Market Shipborough, aided by efficient secretary Gloria and a young trainee from London, Lyle. Whilst managing to avoid grumpy Mrs. Thing, he is continually visited by local Sidney Snell, who is constantly battling the local council. Peter's somewhat dodgy younger brother Simon disappeared some time ago.

Peter is hired by an Estonian woman, Aeste, who claims that grumpy local farmer Jack Thriplow has 'kidnapped' her child, of whom he claims to be the father. Further investigation uncovers the use of illegal labour. Meanwhile a nervous Lyle is entered for the annual dyke-leaping contest. And the less than civil Mr. Hill is snooping around, telling Peter that brother Simon was deeply in debt.

Whilst Sidney Snell complains that he is being harassed by the council into dropping his actions against them, Peter represents the Cases, father and son fishermen, whose boat exploded. The insurance company is unwilling to pay and sabotage is suspected. Beatrice falls for local artist Alan McEwan and becomes the nude model at his drawing class, suddenly causing an increase in would-be artists.

Mr. and Mrs. Forshaw engage Peter in a case of discrimination when their daughter Laura is refused a place at Cambridge, bringing him into contact with his former tutor Professor Barkway. Gloria fails to show up for work, a squirrel gets into the attic, Beatrice is pining for Alan, and of course there's Sidney Snell, with his cunning plan to stop the gas company building on grazing land.

With Gloria still away Beatrice takes over the running of the office and, especially in view of her disastrous efforts last time, proves very competent, even getting Sidney to help. Lyle helps Herb Griffiths acquire a field in which to keep his prize-winning horse and things turn ugly when the horse disappears and travelers are blamed.

Mr. Narbutowicz, an elderly Polish man who has survived a concentration camp, comes to see Peter,as the council want to evict him in view of all the rubbish in his house. Peter gives the case to Lyle who acquits himself well. With Gloria back at work Beatrice makes efforts to befriend her by suggesting that they do 'girly' things together, a suggestion met with some wariness.