When Victor and Margaret return from their holiday, they discover that their luggage has been sent to the other side of the world, and that their house has been burned down.

The Meldrews are given the responsability of looking after their god-daughter's tortoise.

Victor discovers a new talent - writing comedy. However, his views of comedy are somewhat different from everyone elses, and he finds himself without support.

When the Meldrews visit some friends on the South Coast, Victor is given a surprise.

A variety of bizarre factors, including a dead hedgehog, keep Victor awake. And if Victor's awake, Margaret isn't going to get much sleep either.