Keeping Up Appearances

To the vicar's dismay, Hyacinth has volunteered to befriend a small group of senior citizens on a day at the seaside. When one of them gets too friendly, she realizes she has taken on more than she can handle.

Hyacinth is concerned that her invitation to the Mayor's fancy dress ball hasn't yet arrived. Richard is even more concerned that Hyacinth expects him to dress up as Louis XIV in silk trousers.

Hyacinth is in a sunny disposition, which mystifies Richard. He realizes that he has forgotten their anniversary and that Hyacinth is beaming in anticipation of a gift which he has not bought her.

While walking by an idyllic riverbank with Richard, Hyacinth conceives one of her most ambitious plans. "I shall hold a riverside picnic equally as graceful as one of my candlelight suppers."

Hyacinth has decided instead of her usual gift to Richard of slippers that he should received skis. Richard protests that he has no intention of taking up the sport.

Hyacinth is excited about attending a country house auction and mingling with the aristocracy. Richard immediately loses sleep at the prospect of Hyacinth going well beyond their spending limits.

Hyacinth is determined to join the cast of Emmet's production of The Boyfriend. She invites him and Elizabeth round for coffee, then bursts into 'impromptu' 1920s songs.

Although the musical for which she had auditioned is already fully cast, Hyacinth is convinced that Emmet is too shy to offer her a part. She decides to boost his courage by inviting him to Violet's home for a "bon vivant buffet."

Hyacinth loses first prize at the local craft fair. To make matters worse, the winner is one Lydia Hawksworth, a lady who was objectionable at one of Hyacinth's candlelit suppers.

Hyacinth decides to share her talent as the perfect hostess and places an advertisement in the local newspaper. But when the telephone rings, her clients have different services in mind.

Hyacinth Bucket is putting everything she has into directing, and appearing in, a pageant based on the Civil War. She is forced to resort to alternative recruitment methods when her adverts draw a blank.