On returning to home to the village of Linbury, Freddy finds himself in the doghouse with a small member of his family. Russell Warren confides that he is stepping out with the vicar's daughter, but it must remain a deadly secret.

At Seekings School, Basil Cholmondeley is using his oily charm to be the soloist in the Christmas concert with the great Mr Handel. Insincere, sincerity is Basil's speciality and causes Simon Blotwell more than a little anguish. Further anguish is caused when circumstances force him to issue invitations to all his 'friends' for the Christmas revelries at Bruton Manor

The new vicar of Linbury has found a way to prise out Beryl Antrobus from her position as school teacher and church organist in favour of those more biddable to his outlook. Miss Antrobus the indefatigable and staunch ally of Freddy decides to take a holiday, while the beadle and the vicar join forces against the sea of sin in the village.

In the wider world, there has been a disastrous naval encounter in the Baltic which is explained to Freddy in great detail by his friends. The account is sent to the Admiralty, but it is found to be at odds with the official line which blames Captain Fitzroy of HMS Ajax. As a consequence, Freddy is summoned to Portsmouth where the captain is due to come before a court of inquiry.

By wiles and stratagems at a very high level the inquiry is changed to a Court Martial. Because of his skill at shorthand, Freddy is employed by the Judge Advocate, Moses Greetham to take the minutes of the proceedings, where deceit and treachery are the order of the day.