The annual Portwenn Players Dance is a highlight of the village's social calendar. Louisa invites Martin, but the doctor turns her down. Martin also pays a visit to a park ranger who believes he lives with a six-foot squirrel.
When Martin's fear of blood becomes common knowledge, the practical jokes begin. Tourist season commences, and Martin shocks one buxom visitor by offering to examine her chest. Later, an emergency compels Martin to confront his phobia.
Louisa interviews for a position as headmistress and crosses Martin by insisting that children with a highly contagious disease should still come to school against the doctor's wishes. Peter stays with Martin after Peter's mother suffers serious burns. Bert Large steps in to maintain the chip shop whilst Mrs. Cronk is hospitalized, only to find his "experience in the catering trade" is a little wayward.