Arcady Hall and its unconventional inhabitants continue to work their magic on prim and proper civil servant Jasper Pye. But it is the amorous advances of "wicked" Belinda, inexperienced Matilda and already married Chloe that seem certain to make Pye forget his conventional behaviour, his staid morality and even the reason for his visit.

Jasper Pye is urgently needed for the annual village cricket match. But an unscheduled drinking bout threatens the day's play.

The fate of Arcady Hall is sealed by a confession from Miss Mounsey. Jasper Pye finds the residents are more interested in the approaching village fete. As he faces the future, a twilight stroll gives the Arcady magic a chance to work once more.