Veterinarian Judson, whom Zoe still hasn't forgotten or 'forgiven' for intimacy with her New York friend, is called in for a cat who probably contaminated owner Sal Nutter and his mystery mistress. George grudgingly allows Lemon, who wants to succeed Delia Ann Lee as the Belles' local Jubilee Memory matron, to invite her and her equally obnoxious husband, fellow lawyer Lawrence Lee, a far from gracious winner. The mayor is told the truth, as he and Wade suspect Zoe of hiding a lover: she hosts a secret friend, AnnaBeth, who doesn't dare tell bossy Lemon she's consorting with 'intruder', but takes assertiveness training from the New Yorker, who despite an ingrate twist covers for her in delightfully surprised Judson's favor.