Hilary Napier is upset when her father, Colonel Napier, brings in a new manager for the family estate which she has been running for the past year. Even though she cannot help liking Travis Kellaway, she resents his presence. When her defenses are broken down by the illness of her brother's much-loved horse, Hilary realizes Travis's strength and compassion, and it isn't long before their relationship moves to a new footing. Meanwhile, life in the village of Burracombe is enlivened by the new Drama Club, formed by the energetic young curate Felix Copley. Almost the entire village becomes involved in his new pantomime, including Shirley Culliford, the little girl from the poorest cottage in town. But tragedy strikes when Travis catches Shirley and her father poaching in the estate woods. Shirley is injured in the ensuing skirmish and it seems that not only the pantomime but her very life is threatened.