Following an argument at a summer barbecue in Fulchester, a lady guest, Mrs Lawlor, is attacked by the hostess, Mrs Blandford, with a heated kebab skewer. Mrs Blandford stands accused of malicious wounding. The accused claims that she slipped on wet grass as she was serving food and that the injuries were caused by accident. The court will hear that a series of arguments had taken place between the two women over issues such as animal rights and women's liberation during the course of the garden party. It has also become clear in court that the two women were love rivals and were both involved in an affair with the same man, who was also at the barbecue.

Neighbour Mr. Curtis tells of swingers party's at the Blandford home. Miss Tate counters that he only turned against the Blandford's and Sanderson's when Christine turned him down his advances. Mrs. Blandford gives evidence in her defence.

Christine Blandford's husband Douglas gives evidence in her defence but denies his wife knew about his affair with Margaret Lawler. However he admits that swapping partners had caused the break up of her relationship with Trevor Sanderson.