Sitting in E. Jimpson Murgatroyd's waiting room Bertie meets Major Plank, whom he has encountered before but who does not recognize him, not even when hearing his name. After having been examined by the doctor Bertie is reassured that his pink spots will fade away soon, but that he should change his city life for a more healthy way of living. Back in his flat Bertie calls Aunt Dahlia to see if he could stay in her rural residence for a while to follow up mr Murgatroyd's advice but hears that she will be away herself, going to Somerset to stay with her friends the Briscoes. However, she arranges a cottage for him in Maiden Eggesford owned by her friend Jimmy Briscoe who has a racing stable there.