Presumed dead in action, RAF family squadron leader stuns everyone by objecting life at his 'widow' Meg's wedding with papal dispensation to his brother Arthur. Unlike doting brat daughter Milly, father Geoffrey dismisses his story to have been in secret service as cover for cowardice. Shortly after, Ned is shot in his room with Sir's easily accessible pistol, poorly staged as suicide. While Inspector Mallory suspects/arrests Arthur, Meg and Geoffrey, Brown works on Milly's claim of an intruder while the guard dog didn't bark and ties this with Ned's missing years and paternal disfavor due to a 'family secret'.