 James leaves for a country weekend at Sommerby, ancestral home of his friend,  Bunny,  the recently-inherited Marquis, Lord Newbury. Hudson accompanies James as valet. Among the assembled guests is Lady Diana Russell, who fully expects a marriage proposal from James before the weekend is done. The problem is Bunny has his sights set on Diana. When everything goes awry at a mismanaged luncheon, Hudson puts everything right, proves his mettle and is told that the job of butler is his for the asking. Hudson is captivated at the thought of working in one of England s great houses. Ultimately, James rebuffs Diana s advances and back at Eaton Place, Hudson s sense of implacable loyalty and devotion to the Bellamy household is trumped by the idea of leaving for greener and grander pastures.