Hareford Hall is in a state of turmoil. It is rumoured that an heir has been found to the Hareford titles and fortune! The news is greeted with varying degrees of enthusiasm by membersof the aristocratic household and staff.

The Duchess and Sir John (an old flame and family friend) seem on the whole pleased, while Gerald and his fiancee Lady Jacqueine are horrified that this puts an end to their chances of inheriting. Not that this worries Jacqueline too long, as she resolves simply to seduce the new heir!

Charles, the haughty butler, is concerned that the new heir will not match up to the high standards required of "An English Gentleman" and his fears are realised when the heir arrives. He is Bill Snibson, a cockney of the "rough diamond" variety who horrifies the entire family with his behaviour and his insistance on retaining his equally uncouth girlfriend Sally.

Sir John and Parchester the solicitor search for a loophole in the will but the Duchess is determined to make a gentleman of young "William". There is one problem however, if Bill is to rise to the heady heights of Earl of Hareford, he must make the break from his past life, and that includes Sally.

Will blood "tell" as the Duchess suggests, or will it "flow" as Sir John predicts..........