1826

Freddy returns to Linbury, where news from up north causes a stir in church and leads to many changes in the parish.

London is in foment and revolution is in the air. Things are quieter in the countryside but not by much.

Simon Blotwell has his own worries. Will he or won't he be the soloist in the Christmas concert? Not to mention acting and directing a production of a Christmas Carol which is due to be performed at Bruton Manor over the festive season.

Freddy is left in charge of the Sailor's Yarn, when Daniel goes away for a week. A week where momentous events take place not only in the village, but also at school, where Henry Perceval gets some devastating news and seems inconsolable.

It's December and a new fall of snow heralds the advent season. The school concert and prize giving on the last day of term is a new start for some and the beginning of a healing for others.

Finally, the year is rounded off at Bruton Manor where all is aglow with Christmas cheer, though Simon is still up to his old tricks and causes mischief amongst the guests. There is also the inauguration of a new bishop to add to the festivities, but there is one last throw of the dice by the old guard.

The great play is performed before a large audience and gets a rousing reception, but at the end, much to Simon's chagrin, the production is upstaged by an event which leaves many of those present in Bruton Manor library gasping.