In the late 1950s Hyacinth is working as a maid to Dulcie and Claude Cooper-Smith, trying to pass off Daddy's alcoholism as the effects of his war wound - not that it fools her sisters, long-suffering lock-keeper Daisy, promiscuous Rose and Violet, who knows how to play a rich man. When Dulcie learns of her husband's infidelity and takes a lover herself Hyacinth walks in on her but displays total discretion, stating that she wants a gentleman as a spouse. Boyfriend William could fit the bill but Daddy predictably scuppers the relationship.