Between Christmas and the New Year Joss Dane has set up another investigation for the Discreet Detectives and surprises her husband Sam with the news as he is wondering how to find money for a new roof. This time Sam has to impersonate an under butler and Joss a kitchen maid. He is sure he is equal to his role but wonders if Joss will be able to take orders from anyone including Lord Tilden, who wants to know who is stealing his wine and brandy from a locked cellar. As they uncover other crimes and criminals, the wine quest turns dangerous, especially for Sam, and before the last mystery is solved, the couple gain a new respect for hard-working servants.