Nether Stapling Manor nor any of the fine family possessions of this stately home really belonged to Lady Laura, but for more than twenty years she had enjoyed them undisturbed. Many people in the nearby little town of Rivering were well aware of the situation. No one was worried except nice old Cosmo Brierley, trustee of the Estate, and he had no control whatever over this eccentric aristocrat. His one comfort was that Lady Laura was a wonderful custodian of the place, keeping all intact and cherished, even making money by son et lumber in summer and successful (if unlawful) use of the Stapling land.
But when the beautiful owner of the estate arrives from America to claim her inheritance, there is a mystery that she is shocked to find.