Lady Maud Lynchwood wants her husband Sir Giles MP to provide her with an heir to the family home. When he refuses to ever touch her, she decides that they must divorce, so she can find someone who will.
They both consult solicitors, but a reversionary clause in the house sale contract makes their mutual desire to keep Handyman Hall complicated. Lady M approaches Blott, the gardener/chaffeur for help.
Sir Giles goes to the Minister for Transport and suggests that a Motorway could be routed across the Hall, so she can't have it.
At the Public Enquiry in Wolford about the motorway proposal, a riot starts resulting in Lord Leakham being stoned and the market place at being burnt to the ground. Lady M is arrested.