The novel continues to follow Pat Macgregor, a student who has taken a second gap year and who is unsure about her future direction, and the lives of her friends, roommates and fellow tenants at 44 Scotland Street.

Domenica develops an interest in pirates and makes plans to travel to the South China Sea for some field-work.

He confides in Big Lou at the cafe, who has learned that her long-lost lover is returning to Scotland and hopes to resume their relationship.

Bruce loses his job after he is caught enjoying a romantic meal with his employer's wife, and is rejected by his American girlfriend.

He fears that some Chateau Petrus he has bought cheaply may be bogus, but it is genuine and with the profit he makes on it at auction he moves to London and puts the flat at 44 Scotland Street up for sale.