Chaos reigns in Skeldale House. Siegfried has the bright idea of bringing in an experienced bookkeeper, Miss Harbottle, to bring method to their madness. She's certainly efficient, but the cracks start to show and a sick ferret puts a spanner in the works.
Farmer Dakin is very attached to his injured, elderly cow, Blossom, but Siegfried advises letting her go. Having made a few rash decisions recently, he might have to put aside his pride as James presses him to see the truth of the situation he has created.
However misguided it might be, James and Helen take inspiration from Siegfried's "Carpe Diem" approach, and make a long-awaited decision.