When Lugaretzia's daughter goes into labour Larry is sent to fetch Dr. Petrides, but he has his hands full delivering his own child. Theo and Gerry make a discovery at the den. Margo is delighted two men are fighting over her.

After Larry discovers Aunt Hermione has died in her sleep she is given a bizarre memorial service organized by Margo before Louisa and Larry escort the body back to England. Leslie is shocked to learn that he has impregnated Daphne, one of his former girlfriends, and makes a compromise when her father demands a shotgun wedding though Margo finds herself succumbing to the persistent Zoltan.

Louisa and her staid cousins attend Aunt Hermione's funeral in rainy Bournemouth, which Larry misses, staying with a group of Bohemian artists - including author Henry Miller - in London. Louisa decides to follow him and soon finds herself a centre of attention before the couple return to Corfu. Here they find that Gerry has rescued an ill-treated donkey and newly-appointed policeman Leslie's attempt to ward off marauders has nearly ruined Margo's relationship with Zoltan.

Larry brings home a royal guest from a trip to Athens. Louisa is delighted to have a prince staying but finds herself with a less welcome guest - Captain Creech. Gerry has an interview with a local school that divides the two house-guests.

Louisa throws a party for Gerry's thirteenth birthday but it is a staid affair and Gerry does not appreciate the children's games, railing at his mother before storming out. Spiros is also unhappy as his wife has left him and Dr Petrides is fed up with the guests demanding he diagnoses their ailments. Larry livens matters up with a conga and, despite a mosquito infestation, the evening ends on a reconciliatory note.

Wanting to avoid his depressingly empty house, Spiros spends most of his time at the Durrells' home. Louisa is not complaining, she just wants him to be happy and the two become closer. In the town, Larry meets Elena, a beautiful, exotic young woman who, along with her friend, the bearded woman, happen to be part of the travelling circus. Elena reveals she is a contortionist and after she performs some of her moves, Larry falls quickly in love. Keen to get involved, Louisa and Spiros help the circus drum up business whilst Margo starts to rehearse a very risky act and Gerry makes sure the animals are being treated well. With the magic of the circus rubbing off on the whole family, will it work its charm on Louisa and Spiros?

With storm clouds gathering, the island realises it can no longer ignore the rumblings of war just as it looks as though the Durrells may have found their happy ending.