In 1930's England, Teddy Aston, nephew of Lord Alpington, and his butler, Budworth, lead a life of indolent frivolity. But Teddy yearns for a new challenge; insect hunting in the jungle, perhaps, or gathering information for the Authorities, perhaps, on those with divided loyalties as events on the Continent divide opinion. Would being a spy impress the divine Lucinda? However, even with the help of Budworth's incisive mind, our hero is soon out of his depth.