With few prospects, Major Yeates leaves his home and fiancée in England and accepts a position as resident magistrate in Ireland. Upon arriving, he discovers that not only is the house he rents not as grand as it was advertised, it might also be haunted.

Flurry's imposing grandmother turns up at court and invites the Major to a dinner party. The Major wants to give Philippa a horse as a wedding gift and Flurry devises a plan to get one of his grandmother's colts.

Sally's new neighbor, Mr. Shoot, seeks help buying a horse. When the Knoxs and Yeates take him to the market, they are surprised to learn how clueless he really is. Flurry becomes jealous of Mr. Shoot's attention to Sally.

A visit from the Major's officious cousin Basil coincides with an unusually complicated case. A dispute between two fishing families living on a remote island involves an alleged assault, a marriage proposal, and a “boat's share.”

A local publican smoothly sidesteps the Major's objections to beer sales at the annual St. Peter and St. Paul's Day Games, which are being held on Shreelane land. Philippa offers to organize tea for the event, and unknowingly becomes part of Flurry's scheme.

Flurry and Sally's blossoming relationship is hindered by Sally's mother. Old Mrs. Knox is giving a tenants ball to which all the servants are invited. Recruited to help out, the Major and Philippa have an exciting evening dousing fire and promoting romance.