The Grass Is Greener

Victor and Hilary, the Earl and Countess of Rhyall, face significant challenges due to the inheritance tax turmoil impacting Britain in the twentieth century. They grapple to maintain their grand English estate while figuring out how to stabilize their finances.

In a bid to alleviate their financial issues, Victor and Hilary begin charging visitors a fee of two shillings and sixpence to explore their estate. Surprisingly, this unconventional approach becomes quite successful, providing them with a new source of income.

As part of their entrepreneurial efforts, the couple starts indulging in mushroom cultivation for sale. This venture further adds to their financial recovery and showcases their adaptability in a difficult situation.

The peaceful routine of Victor and Hilary is disrupted with the arrival of Charles Delacro, an audacious American oil magnate. His bold entrance captivates Hilary, radically shifting the dynamics within their estate.

Initially shocked by Charles' imposing presence, Hilary quickly finds herself drawn to his wealth and confidence. Their intriguing conversation leads her to invite him for a drink, revealing her burgeoning interest.

When Victor unexpectedly appears, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. Though he remains cordial, his jealousy simmers beneath the surface as Hilary continues to show interest in Charles, complicating their marital dynamics.

In an effort to conceal her encounter with Charles, Hilary plans a hair appointment in London, claiming she'll spend the night with their friend, Hattie. Victor, feigning ignorance, gives her train schedule advice, while internally struggling with his emotions.

The following day, Charles, unwilling to let Hilary out of his sight, waits outside her hairdresser's salon. Their rendezvous leads them back to his hotel room, marking a significant step into an illicit affair.

Meanwhile, Victor's discomfort grows as Hattie, still infatuated with him, expresses her concerns about Hilary's fidelity. His internal struggle intensifies as he grapples with the reality of Hilary's potential betrayal.

Ignoring Hilary's wishes, Victor extends an invitation to Charles to visit their home, carefully masking his jealousy under the guise of rekindling old acquaintances. This decision sets the stage for further conflict.

Victor engages in a fishing trip with Charles, attempting to maintain control over the situation. In a moment of honesty, he admits to being aware of the affair, revealing the emotional weight the betrayal carries for him.

In the dim hallways of their estate, Victor and Charles confront each other for a duel, each man embodying a code of honor. Despite the tension, they both intentionally miss their shots, indicating a reluctance to escalate the situation to tragedy.

Following the duel, Victor is left nursing a wound while both men emerge from the encounter in a fragile state. Unknown to them, their butler, Sellers, covertly monitored the situation, recognizing the tensions yet preserving his own secrets.

The aftermath of the duel weighs heavily on Hilary as she struggles between her loyalty to Victor and her attraction to Charles. Ultimately, she decides to prioritize her marriage, yet her feelings remain conflicted and unresolved.

In a surprising turn of events, Hattie leaves with Charles, amplifying the uncertainty surrounding the relationships. This departure heightens the drama of love, loyalty, and rivalry that engulfs their lives.