While a fun run for charity is taking place at the Grange, Mrs Peacock's new fiancé is the centre of attention - and this is even more so when it transpires that the Count was not quite who he claimed to be. But who killed him?

Elizabeth Peacock has invited Peregrine Talbot-Wheeler (an expert on art and the presenter of a television programme about antiques) to value some of her possessions. In his last few seconds on earth, did Peregrine get a brief chance to conduct his final assessment on a Billiard Cue, an Antique Pistol, a Sword, a Bow Tie, or a curious Paperweight?

The local Member of Parliament has died, and Mrs Peacock hosts a wake at Arlington Grange. Michael Mustard and Peter Plum's employer, Chapman, are among those bidding to be selected for the vacant parliamentary seat. Chapman quickly begins to indulge himself in a little blackmail in pursuit of victory, and his demise is surely no great mystery...

At a Fete at the Grange, an unidentified visitor in a dragon-suit is found to be Kirkbride, Elizabeth Peacock's private detective - but what was he doing there and why did sudden death arrive under his very nose?