Ralph Whelan and the rest of the Indian Civil Service begin the annual move to Simla. Ralph's sister Alice returns to India, while the doyenne of British society Cynthia Coffin prepares for the start of the summer season.

The fallout from the shooting reverberates around Simla and a curfew is put in place to deal with the supposed terrorist threat. The arrival of a journalist causes trouble for Ralph when he's investigating the assassination attempt.

It's the Sipi Fair in Simla, the only occasion in the year when the Indian community are allowed onto the grounds of the British Club. Ralph conspires to get Aafrin inside by granting him a promotion.

There's much excitement in Simla ahead of the Viceroy's summer visit. Ralph discovers that the only piece of evidence linking Chandru Mohan to the Congress Party is gone, and Aafrin is in danger when he discovers that his property might be searched.

Ralph's attempts to take advantage of divisions within the Indian communities prove risky, Eugene makes a revelation about his family's finances, and Sarah uses her knowledge of Alice's secret past to blackmail her friend.

The pressure continues to mount on Ralph as Jaya reveals the real reason for her visit to Simla. Alice and Ronnie are saved by a mountaineer who tries to inveigle his way into Alice's affectations.