Titmuss addresses the threat posed by his ambitious and scheming junior minister, but he's preoccupied by the man competing for his wife's affections. Titmuss goes to extraordinary lengths to discover all he can about his rival. When he confronts Jenny, their relationship--like Rapstone itself--faces startling developments.

Mr. and Mrs. Titmuss honeymoon in Rome. But their marital bliss is disturbed by Titmuss's suspicion that Jenny has someone else in her life. When they return home, she seems to be spending a little too much time with Dr. Fred Simcox, leader of the Save Our Valley campaign.

Titmuss acquires a stately home in the beautiful, unspoiled Rapstone Valley--and intends for Jenny Sidonia to help him fill it. Both are widowed and unattached, but otherwise appear incompatible. Titmuss has even less in common with his new neighbors, who are fighting a development plan for the valley.