On the train from London to Blandings we find mr. Peters as an invited guest of Lord Emsworth, his daughter Aline and, in a second class cabin. Ashe Marston as mr. Peters' valet and Joan Valentine as lady's maid to Aline Peters. Ashe's spirits are initially high, being conent with himself for having taken this adventurous undertaking, but Joan refrains from contact and hides herself behind a magazine. When finally their eyes meet and they start talking it soon becomes clear that Ashe is ignorant of the etiquette ruling the rank and file of a major Englich household. Joan gives him a frighteningly deep insight in the way servants of various levels are kept in their places, hoping that he will give up his venture. But Ashe is determined to fulfill the agreement he has made with mr. Peters, and the train finally delivers all parties concerned at Market Blandings station.
Ashe Marson: A writer of the crime and adventure stories of Gridley Quayle, living in a London apartment building
Joan Valentine: Writes columns on dukes and earls for "Home Gossip", living in the same building as Ashe Marson
Mr. J. Preston Peters: A dyspeptic American millionaire who has rented an estate next to Blandings Castle
Aline Peters: daughter of mr. Peters, engaged to be married to Freddie Threepwood