Rejected in love, the incredibly rich (but appropriately modest) George Bellew walks into a small English village populated with a cast of most interesting people, from the ramrod straight old Sergeant who can't seem to get beyond talking of peaches with the apple of his eye, to the smarmy Mr. Cassilis who seems to think that the beautiful Anthea (and her farm at Dapplemere) can be had for the asking - if only he asks often enough. And then there is Anthea -- a lovely woman, caring for those around her - though full of cares herself - and too proud to accept help from anyone.