Peter and Barbara Wyckham plan to travel by railway from London to a country house in Somerset, but Peter misses the train. Another intending traveller in a similar plight is Marguerite Hickett, an old friend of Peter's from the days before their marriages. They decide to hire a motor car and drive to Somerset, but the car breaks down and they seek refuge at the local inn. Only one bedroom is available, and as it is very clear that the landlady, Mrs Spoker, will not admit an unmarried couple, Peter and Marguerite check in as husband and wife.