On the south coast of Cornwall, overlooking Porthwallow village and Bay, squats Mena Dhu, the massive, ancient home of the de Coverlet family.

The summer seems to be going its regular way, the highlight of which being the annual cricket match between the Locals and the Big House, 'Us' versus 'They'. Jago Hunkin, fisherman and jobbing builder; 'H', his right-hand man; Michael Donohoe, the retired rock-star; the Vicar and his partner; and Tegan, the gorgeous barmaid of the De Coverlet Arms, all meet regularly in the pub, supposedly to pick the team but also to ensure that the village keeps abreast of the world.

Little do they know, however, that a senior Civil Servant from London has taken out a contract on the mild Sir Cosmo, Lord of the manor! Surely not simply to raise taxes? And is a remarkable young lady, whom we discover to be a secret agent, there by chance or direction? To play cricket or to save him? Or does she really love Sir Cosmo, the last of the de Coverlets, said to be the richest man in England and arguably the true and rightful heir to the throne of Great Britain?